Treasures of a Collector

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

European Works of Art, 1100 to 1800, from the Thomson Collection

More than 350 objects in Treasures of a Collector form one of the world's finest collections of early European decorative art treasures. For the first time in any museum, these works are now on long-term display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Highlighting a major reinstallation of the AGO's historic European galleries, the treasures -- personally acquired over five decades by Kenneth R. Thomson -- range in date from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Treasures of a Collector adds an exciting dimension to the Gallery's European Arts holdings. Most prized is the Malmesbury Chasse, one of the world's best-preserved Limoges chasses, crafted between 1180 and 1190 from champlev-enamel, copper gilt and crystal. The entire collection comprises some of the best-preserved examples of medieval art in ceramics, metalwork, enamel, gold, silver, ivory and boxwood.