Key Points
- The Art Institute of Chicago has acquired approximately 2,250 works of French art from the Horvitz Collection .
- The collection includes nearly 2,000 drawings, 200 paintings and 50 sculptures.
- The artworks span a period of 300 years, from the 16th to the 19th century.
- The Horvitz Collection is one of the largest private collections of French art in the United States.
- The collection mainly features works from the Neoclassical period, which emerged in response to Rococo art.
Historic Acquisition Transforms the Art Institute of Chicago’s French Art Collections
The Art Institute of Chicago has just taken a major step in the enrichment of its collections by adding more than 2,000 works of French art . This major acquisition is a real boost for its collection of French art, now bringing its holdings to more than 5,000 pieces , spanning the period from the 18th to the 20th century .
This expansion strengthens the museum's position as a major institution for the study and presentation of French art in the United States . In addition, this new acquisition is expected to attract an even wider audience .
With an endowment of approximately $400 million , the museum has the resources to acquire, present, and teach art . Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors each year, the Art Institute of Chicago has established itself as a must-see center for lovers and researchers of French art .
Inside the Prestigious Horvitz Collection of French Neoclassical Art
The Horvitz Collection is a veritable goldmine for lovers of French neoclassical art . It includes works by iconic figures such as Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres , offering a comprehensive overview of this seminal artistic period .
With nearly 2,000 drawings, 200 paintings, and 50 sculptures , the Horvitz Collection is the largest private collection of French art in the United States . It spans approximately three centuries of artistic history and highlights the richness and diversity of the neoclassical movement .
Other influential artists such as Pierre-Paul Prud'hon and Théodore Géricault are also featured in this collection, illustrating the lasting impact of neoclassicism on European art . In addition, it includes works by François Boucher , Jean-Honoré Fragonard , as well as female artists such as Élisabeth Vigée Lebrun and Adélaïde Labille-Guiard .
Built over a period of forty years , the Horvitz Collection is the result of the passionate work of Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz . Their keen eye and commitment have resulted in a unique ensemble , reflecting the finest achievements of French neoclassical art .
The Art Institute of Chicago has already presented some masterpieces from this collection in two recent exhibitions .
Curatorial Vision and Exhibition Plans
With this exceptional acquisition , the Art Institute of Chicago is implementing an ambitious curatorial strategy to showcase the Horvitz Collection . A series of exhibitions is planned to illustrate the breadth and depth of this remarkable artistic ensemble .
At the same time, the museum is developing educational programs and initiatives designed to better promote understanding of the importance of this collection . These efforts aim to attract a wide audience , ranging from researchers and art historians to curious amateurs .
With this initiative, the Art Institute of Chicago reaffirms its central role in the preservation and dissemination of French art in the United States, while offering an enriching experience to its visitors.
Jean Dubreil