Seriously Funny: Caricature through the Centuries | September 14 – January 27

Seriously Funny: Caricature through the Centuries celebrates the Yale University Art Gallery’s recent acquisition of several important 19th-century French satirical lithographs. The exhibition contextualizes these prints within the larger comedic tradition in Europe and America, demonstrating the enduring appeal and impact of visual humor through a selection of prints, drawings, paintings, and sculpture from the 16th to the 21st century. Distinguished by a sense of levity and immediacy, caricature has traditionally been considered inferior to fine art but has been used for centuries by classically trained artists as a vehicle to engage with subjects that are familiar and accessible. The witty works included in Seriously Funny trace the development of the genre from its inception as a studio exercise to its pointed use in highlighting human foibles and, finally, to its disruptive role as an instrument of political critique.

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The mission of the Yale University Art Gallery is to encourage appreciation and understanding of art and its role in society through direct engagement with original works of art. The Gallery stimulates active learning about art and the creative process through research, teaching, and dialogue among communities of Yale students, faculty, artists, scholars, alumni, and the wider public. The Gallery organizes exhibitions and educational programs to offer enjoyment and encourage inquiry, while building and maintaining its collections in trust for future generations.

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