The Art Institute of Chicago has received a groundbreaking gift of French Old Master art, bolstering its collection with nearly 2,000 drawings, 200 paintings, and 50 sculptures. This transformative donation will revolutionize the museum’s presentation of early modern French art.
The Art Institute of Chicago has received a ‘transformative gift‘ of French Old Master art from Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz, consisting of nearly 2,000 drawings, 200 paintings, and 50 sculptures. This significant donation will help the museum reframe its presentation of early modern French art.
The Horvitz Collection is a renowned collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Horvitz family over several generations.
Spanning centuries, the collection includes works from European masters such as 'Monet,' 'Picasso,' and 'Van Gogh.'
The collection also features an impressive array of ancient artifacts, including Egyptian and Greek relics.
With over 1,000 pieces on display, the Horvitz Collection is a must-see for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
Building on an Existing Strength
The Art Institute is already home to one of the greatest collections of 19th-century French art outside of France. However, its 17th- and 18th-century collection was less comprehensive. The Horvitz collection fills this gap, providing a much fuller and richer story of the history of French art over multiple centuries.
Masterpieces from Renowned Artists
The collection features major drawings by renowned artists such as Watteau and Boucher, as well as notable works by Ingres, David, and Géricault. Standouts include ‘Ingres’ skillful watercolor and gouache depiction of Jupiter and Thetis,’ and ‘Géricault’s moving watercolor, ink, and gouache rendering of a Couple in a Landscape.’
French Old Master art refers to paintings created by French artists from the 15th to the 19th century.
Notable characteristics include use of oil paints, emphasis on realism and naturalism, and often somber or melancholic tone.
Artists such as Nicolas Poussin and Georges de La Tour were prominent figures in this period.
The style was influenced by Italian Renaissance art, particularly Caravaggio's dramatic lighting effects.
A Legacy of Giving
The gift comes with one of the largest financial gifts in the history of the Art Institute, dedicated to supporting French art across the permanent collection. This support will help the museum care for this collection for generations to come. The Horvitz couple’s vision was to keep their collection together, ensuring it remains a whole and more than the sum of its parts.
A Rich and Complete Story
Keeping the collection together is crucial to telling a rich and complete story of the history of French art. With such a significant donation, the Art Institute can now present a more comprehensive narrative of French art from the 17th Century through the mid-19th Century.
