Detail of Saint Amelie by Kehinde Wiley. Image: Walters Art Museum

Kehinde Wiley’s Saint Amelie, a stained-glass masterpiece on display at the Walters Art Museum, invites art enthusiasts to explore the intricate connections between tradition and modernity.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND-Currently on view at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore is Saint Amelie by Kehinde Wiley. Nestled within the Medieval galleries, this stained-glass portrait, crafted in 2014, stands as a captivating addition to the museum’s collection. Part of a limited series of 12 stained-glass portraits by the renowned American artist, Saint Amelie is a masterpiece that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.

Born in 1977 in Los Angeles, Kehinde Wiley is acclaimed for his distinctive portraits, reimagining people of color within classical settings reminiscent of Old Master works. His art acts as a nexus between art history and contemporary culture. He employs visual rhetoric to celebrate the beauty and strength of Black and brown individuals worldwide. Equally important, Wiley’s diverse portfolio challenges and reshapes art-historical narratives through paintings, sculptures, and videos.

Wiley’s oeuvre features a unique placement for Saint Amelie, as it represents the only stained-glass work by the artist showcased in a public U.S. museum. This portrait serves as both a response to and commentary on historical artworks within the core of the Walters collection. Furthermore, it fosters conversations that transcend temporal and spatial boundaries.

Inspiration from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Kehinde Wiley drew inspiration for Saint Amelie from the 19th-century French Neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. This connection gains significance for the Walters, given their ownership of several Ingres works. The juxtaposition of Wiley’s modern creation with Ingres’ classical pieces enhances the museum’s narrative with depth and richness.

Wiley’s Saint Amelie seamlessly integrates traditional stained-glass techniques and motifs with contemporary elements. The piece depicts Kern Alexander, a frequent model in Wiley’s body of work. The portrayal adheres to medieval conventions, naming the depicted saint—in this case, Alexander, whose name is inscribed on the pedestal beneath him.

Walters’ Medieval Glasswork Collection:

The Walters Art Museum has an impressive collection of medieval glasswork. It includes monumental stained-glass windows dating back to the 12th century. Saint Amelie engages in a dialogue with these historical pieces, drawing parallels and distinctions that amplify the richness of both.

Positioned prominently in the Medieval galleries on Level 3 of the Centre Street Building, Saint Amelie offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the convergence of historical and contemporary art. Beyond that, this public display enhances accessibility. It invites art enthusiasts to explore the intricate connections woven into the fabric of this artistic marvel.

Wiley’s Saint Amelie seamlessly integrates traditional stained-glass techniques and motifs with contemporary elements.

Julia Marciari-Alexander, Director of the Walters Art Museum, shares her perspective on the strategic acquisition of modern works. She asserts that the impact of pieces like Saint Amelie will resonate with museum visitors for generations, adding new dimensions to the institution’s exploration of the past and present.

Kehinde Wiley: Challenging Preconceived Notions

Kehinde Wiley’s body of work challenges preconceived notions and reorient art-historical narratives. By bringing marginalized voices to the forefront, Wiley sparks conversations about representation and identity, ensuring his impact reverberates in the world of art for years to come.

Since Saint Amelie by Kehinde Wiley went on display, it has been a major attraction at the Walters. For many, the piece emerges not merely as a stained-glass marvel but also as a testament to the power of art in bridging historical gaps. The Walters Art Museum, through the strategic embrace of modern works, continues to shape narratives that resonate across centuries, creating a lasting impact on the world of art.

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