FLINT, MI.- The exhibition The Golden Age of Painting, 1600-1800 now on view at the Flint Institute of Arts through August 19 is drawing visitors from throughout Michigan and neighboring states. As the only Midwest venue for the rare collection of Old Masters from the Speed Art Museum, the exhibit has been a magnet for museum goers who are taking advantage of the opportunity to view paintings by many of the great artists of the period including: Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough.

The collection spans two hundred years of European painting and chronicles the sweeping changes that occurred in art, science, religion and exploration during the years 1600-1800. The images rendered by many of the greatest artists of that era, offer a window into this rich cultural period of history.

“One can’t help being impressed by the quality and depth of this remarkable collection,” said John Henry, the FIA’s Director. “ A particular crowd favorite is a grand painting of Adelaide, daughter of King Louis the XV of France. The painting is on such a large scale that it can be seen from four galleries away. This image, like so many included in the show, has a fascinating story to tell. Adelaide died after succumbing to the illness she contracted while nursing her father King Louis. The original commission of Adelaide, by the artist Labille-Guidard now hangs at Versailles.”

The exhibition is sponsored by Citizen’s Bank and supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.