“The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth”

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The sprawling, magnificent grounds of Chatsworth House, the grand country estate in Derbyshire, England, with its rolling parklands and manicured gardens, serve as inspiration for “The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth,” a new thematic exhibition proudly supported by Sotheby’s. Curated by Allegra Pesenti, the exhibition explores the legacy of landscape designers, gardeners, scientists and botanists who have influenced the evolution of Chatsworth over the past six centuries. Floral- and botanical-themed highlights from the esteemed Devonshire Collection are complemented by significant museum loans and, in keeping with Chatsworth’s long tradition of artist patronage, newly commissioned artworks.

“The Gorgeous Nothings” takes its name from a so-called envelope poem by Emily Dickinson — short verses written on scraps of stationery — and highlights the diversity of Chatsworth’s collection, a reflection of the many Cavendish family members who have shepherded the estate across centuries. Notable works include scientific specimens such as flower fossils and minerals collected by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, alongside contemporary artworks by Simryn Gill, Elliott Hundley, Liza Lou, Alessandro Piangiamore and Elias Sime. A newly commissioned video work by Berlin-based artist Ana Prvacki, filmed throughout the Chatsworth Gardens, draws inspiration from Caius Gabriel Cibber’s sculpture of the goddess Flora, which resides within an outdoor temple. Other new commissions by Konstantin Kakanias, David Wiseman and Maurizio Fioravanti evoke the mystery and wonder of the botanical world. “Each flower represented here is associated with deep-rooted myths and symbolisms,” explained Pesenti of the exhibition. “Individually, they may be considered gorgeous nothings, but together, they manifest life and endurance against all odds.”