Italy’s Capodimonte Museum Lends 40 Neapolitan Masterpieces to HKMOA for Debut Exhibition

This summer, Italy’s Capodimonte Museum has lent a collection of late Italian Renaissance and Baroque works to the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA). The exhibition, titled “The Road to the Baroque — Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum,” is the first to showcase Neapolitan paintings in Hong Kong, with around 40 pieces on display.

The Baroque style is assigned to art from the 16th to 17th centuries defined by chiaroscuro light contrasts, emotive facial expressions on subjects, with dramatised movement or poses. The aesthetic is centred around tension and a realistic portrayal of inner mood, which lends to compelling artworks that pull the viewer in.

The featured collection highlights work from the movement’s renowned masters like Titian, Annibale Carracci and Artemisia Gentileschi. Highlights include the Michelangelo copy “The Last Judgment” by Marcello Venusti, “Boy Blowing on an Ember” by El Greco, and “Danaë” by Tiziano “Titian” Vecellio.

To supplement the works with a local perspective, the HKMOA will also be presenting art from local artists Kingsley Ng and Chow Chun-fai, created in response to the collection. Visitors can also tune in to a tailor-made audio accompaniment of music and soundscapes put together by Founding Dean of Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Creative Arts, Johnny Poon, for a greater immersive experience.

The exhibition takes place from July 15 to Nov. 2, with admission tickets priced at HK$10 for adults, with museum pass holders granted free entry. Students, children, and the elderly can also get tickets for a reduced rate. More details on the exhibition to be found here.