The objects in this gallery span hundreds of years across Europe, encompassing High Renaissance, mannerism, baroque, as well as a sprinkling of contemporary art. What most of these works offer is an invitation from the artists to observe exquisite techniques and dynamic subject matter. Figures gaze at us, communicating melancholy or mirth; objects are placed just so to act as stepping stones that help us ascend into the picture; an array of decadent goods remind one of the passing of time; and living artists pay homage to Western art history in clever ways. The artists here enjoy the recognition that they carefully assembled all their works’ elements in an intentional and pleasing way that speaks to audiences today.