Photographs by Richard Walker

Zoo in the House: Animals in the Doris Duke Art Collection

A special exhibit in the galleries at Rough Point

April 10 - November 8, 2008

Join us for Gallery Night

2nd Thursday of the month

5:00-8:00 pm

Gallery Night Rate* $5/Adult, Free/Child under 12

Doris Duke, heiress and art collector, was known as an avid animal enthusiast.  Her most notable pets were two camels who summered at Rough Point, her Newport mansion, so it is not surprising that animals appear as a frequent theme in her remarkable art collection which includes objects ranging from the Han dynasty (206 BC - 263 AD) to the mid 20th century.  Animals depicted as companions, as wild life, and as allegorical creatures are the subject of this year's special exhibition.  A personal glimpse of Doris Duke and her beloved pet dogs will be provided through photographs and video. 

Visitors to the exhibit will learn about the cultural and religious significance of animal imagery, including how and where the term 'white elephant' originated.  They will will explore the fascinating history of animals in art through the lens of this very personal collection.  Highlights of Zoo in the House include a Tang dynasty earthenware horse and camel, a bronze lion by Barye, a painting by Julien Dupre, and several Audubon prints. 

This year’s exhibit includes a special feature entitled Unleashed! A Community Art Gallery which will display artwork by local youth.  It is a collaborative project with the Newport Public Schools, supported by the Newport Public Education Foundation (NPEF). 

During the month of August, the Unleashed Gallery features work by Rogers High School students.  There is an array of linocut prints of animals inspired by the creatures in Rough Point’s collection.  Also on display are ceramic sculptures of sea life, small works in oil, and charming pencil drawings that were sketched by the students at Rough Point.