Staff Picks: Melissa Copeland's CAM Favorites
Get to know our museum staff through the art they love. In this series, staff select their favorite artworks and explain what draws them toward these works.
The Moment of Truth (Mahana Ma'a) (1892) by Paul GauguinCincinnati Art Museum
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, Melissa Copeland, Visitor Services Assistant, has picked her five favorite pieces.
Warmth & color
I always have to stop and look at this painting when I'm walking through the galleries. My favorite part is Gauguin's use of color. The color conveys a warmth that encompasses the whole painting.
Currently on view in G229.
Weapon of Choice (2013) by Michelle Erickson (American, b.1960), artistCincinnati Art Museum
Social commentary
I like how Michelle Erikson uses her art to talk about the impact humans have on the environment. In Weapon of Choice the artist addresses our reliance on fossil fuels. The choice of porcelain and earthenware as materials in this piece add to the overall impact for me.
Currently on view in G222.
Red-Figure Lebes Gamikos: Eros Seated Before a Woman (-0350/-0300)Cincinnati Art Museum
Eros, the wedding guest
This Lebes Gamikos was used in ancient Greece for a wedding ritual. It would be filled with water and sprinkled on the bride before marriage. I love art objects that tell stories from Greek mythology. This uniquely shaped vessel shows Eros the God of love which is well suited for an object used in wedding ceremonies.
Currently on view in G101.
Angel (1920) by The Rookwood Pottery Company (American, estab. 1880), manufactory and Louise Abel (German or American, b.1894, d.1981), artistCincinnati Art Museum
Stronger than fire
This is my favorite artwork by Rookwood Pottery in the museum. The amount of detail on this pair of angels is amazing. The sculptures also survived a fire set by an arsonist in 1970 and were left with almost no damage, which I believe adds to their beauty.
Currently on view in G126.
Hymen (1884 - 1886) by Thomas Wilmer Dewing (American, b.1851, d.1938) and Marie Oakey Dewing (American, b.1845, d.1927)Cincinnati Art Museum
Another wedding guest
I love the lush foliage in this painting. It's the perfect setting for Hymen, the Greek goddess of wedding ceremonies, and makes her appear earthly while also a mythological being. The artists, who are husband and wife, chose this mythological theme as a wedding gift because in the tradition Hymen is supposed to attend every wedding.
Currently on view in G216.
Melissa has been working at the Cincinnati Art Museum as a Visitor Services Assistant since March 2017. She studied Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Kentucky and graduated in 2015. When she's not at the museum, she loves to travel, read, and be outside with her labradoodle, Ivan.
Special thanks to...
The Google Arts & Culture Team:
-Rachel Ellison, Administrative Assistant, Learning & Interpretation
-Summer Cook, Exhibitions Assistant
-Keith Gollar, Digital Content Coordinator
Head of Photographic Services:
-Rob Deslongchamps
