July 5, 2010 – Figurative, narrative or abstract, stained glass is the ultimate symbol of religious art. However, in the skillful hands of master stained glass artist Guido Nincheri and much to the delight of stained glass lovers, this medium takes on a resolutely secular character. You can bet that these enthusiasts will come in droves this summer to the Château Dufresne for the temporary exhibition, Nincheri’s Secular Work, presented until September 12.
In this bastion of the French-Canadian bourgeoisie – declared a historical monument in 1976 – the stained glass windows, paintings and frescos by the great Nincheri, the exotic wood window frames and floors a well as the impressive Italian marble staircase all attest to the insatiable thirst of the emerging Montréal bourgeoisie for elegance and beauty.
Deemed as “the most significant secular work in Canada”, the décor of the Château Dufresne is, in itself, a veritable journey into the inspiration and creativity of the Tuscan master. In following Montréal’s reputation for generosity and art appreciation, visitors are in store for a great surprise: the re-opening of Nincheri’s stained glass studio on Sundays, as part of the Montréal, City of Glass project. A veritable gem of Montréal’s heritage, the studio will feature cardboard mock-ups of finished artwork as well as an ancient stove and explanations of stained glass production techniques. The studio highlights the inspiration and creativity of this prolific artist who created no less that 5,000 glass masterpieces, now displayed across North America. One last (but not least) surprise: tour commentary is provided by none other than the artist’s grandson, Roger Nincheri. Follow the guide!
