The Art Institute of Chicago has been gifted an impressive collection of French art comprising nearly 2,000 drawings, 200 paintings, and 50 sculptures from collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz. This extensive collection showcases works from prominent artists such as Jacques-Louis David and François Boucher, spanning 300 years of French history from the 16th to the 19th century. Most notably dominated by Neo-Classical art, this donation not only enriches the museum's offerings but also promises ongoing financial support for the collection's care and research, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
We are so grateful to Jeffrey and Carol for this impactful gift. Their continued support and passion for the museum is truly special, not only because it will allow millions of visitors to experience a fuller story of French art, but also because their generous financial support of the ongoing care and research of this collection will allow us to continue advancing our broader mission.
The collection, amassed over four decades by Jeffrey Horvitz, tracks French history and culture over the course of 300 years, spanning pieces from the 16th to the 19th century.
While Rococo and Romantic artists do feature, the primary genre represented is Neo-Clacissm, a movement that emerged in the mid-1800s as a morality-focused response to the excesses of its predecessors, drawing inspiration from classical Greco-Roman forms.
Their commitment to phased financial gifts will ensure ongoing conservation, staffing and research for the collection; while exact figures have not been disclosed, the museum expects that these funds will constitute one of the largest financial gifts in the history of the Art Institute.
Collection
[
|
...
]