Treatise on the Veil (Second Version) is One of Cy Twombly’s largest canvases. The work, be shown for the first time with 12 related drawings from the artist’s private collection until February 14, 2010. Conceived by Bernice Rose, chief curator of The Menil Drawing Institute and Study Center, the exhibition marks the first time that the painting will be shown with a significant group of related drawings on loan from the artist’s private collection. On Tuesday, December 8, Menil Director Josef Helfenstein will speak of poet Rainer Maria Rilke’s words in his canvases and Rice Professor Edward Snow will read from his newly released bilingual edition of The Poetry of Rilke. A book signing will follow. 7 pm.