Staff Picks: Summer Cook's CAM Favorites

Every visitor has a favorite Cincinnati Art Museum artwork. The same is true of museum staff. From in-depth analyses to playful interpretations, this series highlights the diverse personalities that make up the museum’s staff.

This month, Summer Cook, Exhibition Coordinator, has picked her five favorite pieces.

In this oil on canvas, King Philip II of Spain can be seen holding a scepter, an ornamental staff held by a ruling monarch. A popular addition to regal paintings, the scepter represents imperial authority. A celebrated King in his own right, Philip II’s vast empire stretched around the globe leading to the country’s height of influence, power and economic success. The artist Titian, was a well-known Venetian painter whose versatile talent was reflected in the form of portraits as well as landscapes. During a good portion of his life, Titian worked directly under King Philip II, resulting in several portraits of the monarch as well as commissioned works for the Kings collection.

What I find so interesting about this painting is the simple history of it. As an avid love of all things historical and someone who enjoys art of the 16th century, I find it extraordinary that the museum has an oil painting of a well-known European monarch. Throughout history, this particular work of art has also been well documented; revealing a detailed history of ownership and its various homes over time.

This early 20th century dress is an excellent example of the fashionable wedding trends of the time. The high neck line, puffed sleeves and delicate lace embodies the romantic and eloquent ceremony in which it was worn. This particular gown was donned by Elizabeth Ryan when she wed Chas. F Williams; May 1906. The wedding gown pictured here was accompanied by a corset, silk stockings and white satin shoes; all of which reside inside the Cincinnati Art Museum’s permanent collection.

As a bride to be I find inspiration in vintage gowns of the past. When choosing my own dress I paid close attention to the lace detail and was adamant about having an early Victorian era inspired piece. I find appealing the way this dress highlights the wearer’s waist with its puffed bodice and flared skirt. The addition of this gown being worn with a full length tulle veil gives it an added element of enchantment and grace that is often times why I myself tend to romanticize this time period.