The Spencer Museum of Art’s new permanent exhibit, “Empire of Things,” explores the concept of collecting through an opulent gathering of art objects ranging from 2,000 B.C. to the modern era, some of which the museum has never before displayed. The exhibit is the latest step of Project Redefine, the Spencer’s ongoing effort to reinstall its permanent galleries in new, more theme-inspired ways.

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

A 19th-century Chinese screen frames this installation within "Empire of Things," the newest permanent exhibit at the Spencer Museum of Art.

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

This painting by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, "A Chat by the Fireside," is featured in the Spencer Museum of Art's newest permanent exhibit, "Empire of Things."

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

"Still-life with Violin and Engraving of Arcangelo Corelli," a circa-1730 Dutch painting, is among artworks featured in the Spencer Museum of Art's "Empire of Things" exhibit. A display of blue-and-white ware, decorated in the style of the pictured ceramic vessel, is expected to be installed in a case next to the painting.

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

Blue and white porcelain vase with underglazing, from China's Qianlong period (1736-1795). The vase is among artworks in the Spencer Museum of Art's new permanent exhibit, "Empire of Things."

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

"Empire of Things" at the Spencer Museum of Art includes art objects from a variety of time periods, regions and mediums. Here, "Mary Magdalene," left, by Bernardino Ludovisi, and "Bust of a Woman," by Henri Jacobs, are pictured in front of Gillis van Tilborgh's painting, "A Picture Gallery."

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

"Mrs. Thomas Pelham (Anneta, daughter of Thomas Bridges, wife of Thomas Pelham)," a circa-1720s oil painting by Joseph Highmore, is among artworks on display in the Spencer Museum of Art's new permanent exhibit, "Empire of Things."

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

An installation from "Empire of Things," a new permanent exhibit at the Spencer Museum of Art. The painting at right is "Mrs. Thomas Pelham," by Joseph Highmore.

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

This mid-1700s octant, by Benjamin Martin, England, features brass fitts, ivory scale, original ivory mounted pencil and a wooden box. It's among objects to be on display in the Spencer Museum of ArtÕ's new permanent exhibit, "Empire of Things."

photo by: Photo courtesy of the Spencer Museum of Art

This portion of the "Empire of Things" exhibit at the Spencer Museum of Art includes a grouping of furniture and artworks anchored by a 19th century Chinese 10-panel screen.