By Karen Bloom
Visiting the homes of the always proud, often secretive collectors, executive director and chief curator Constance Schwartz and curator Franklin Hill Perell have gathered 80 rare treasures for this exhibit, most of which have never been shown to the public before."It's a unique opportunity to see some very special pieces," Schwartz said. There are major works here which have never been seen outside of the collector's home."Visitors will find works, representing a variety of mediums, from all the great Impressionist and Modern masters -- Monet, Renoir, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, de Chirico, Utrillo, Chagall, Leger, Dubuffet, and many more. Americans represented in the show include Chase, Wyeth, Henri, Sloan, de Kooning, and Lichtenstein, among others. The works selected by Schwartz and Perell span centuries of art history, the earliest being Brueghel's The Peasant Wedding, done in 1623, to the intriguing art of today, as in a Lichtenstein piece from 1995.Each work on display was carefully chosen to enhance the public's appreciation of art, and the collectors who are devoted to these masterpieces. "This [exhibit] is not meant to be a history of art, it's not an encyclopedic presentation," Schwartz explained. "We've tried to take the best example of a particular period and show that."As she writes in the catalog accompanying the exhibition, "the selection of works seeks to capture the spirit of those collectors who chose to slice across the varied disciplines of art to create a purposeful boundary of choice..., providing an overview of the variety of richness inherent in the works from private collections in the metropolitan areas of New York."Or, as Schwartz noted, "these works are not just the best of a collector's collection, but the best of the best."The process of acquiring these masterpieces was a fascinating process for Schwartz and Perell. "It was exciting to see the collector's furnishings and how they exhibit the art," she noted. "Passion runs like a thread through all the collections. It's the thrill of the hunt, to do the research and make sure it fits in with what the collector is collecting. It is a meaningful experience in the eyes and heart of the owner."Now, this passion is on view for all to see. "We treasure these works," Schwartz said, "this is a gift to the public."As always, in conjunction with the exhibit, NCMA presents many events to enhance the viewing experience. These include a five-part Curatorial Chat series with Perell, that focuses on the major 20th century art collectors, including Dr. Albert Barnes, Gertrude Stein, Peggy Guggenheim, the Havemeyers, Stieglitz, and a sampling of others. It runs Monday afternoons, through Oct. 31. Another series, the Private Tea and Tour, features an introduction from Schwartz, followed by private docent-led tour and ends with tea in the Museum Cafe. It is offered Wednesdays, through Nov. 2. Also, there is a Celebrity Lecture Series, with a talk on art and architecture by architect Michael Harris Spector, on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Many other events will be offered in October, beginning with Family Fun Days, starting Sunday, Oct. 2. It will include special tours of the exhibit, art scavenger hunts, entertainment, and food.
Master Artworks from Private Collections
at Nassau County Museum of Art
Now through Nov. 6. Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors 62 and older; $4 children 12 and older. Docent-led tours offered at 2 p.m. daily except Sunday; no reservations needed. One Museum Dr. (off Northern Blvd.), Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or www.nassaumuseum.com.
