BMA Presents 19th-Century French Art from the Lucas Collection

BALTIMORE, MD (September 29, 2006) — Paris was at the center of the art world in the 19^th century, and Baltimorean George A. Lucas—an art collector and friend to many of the leading French artists of his generation—was there to capture its spirit. From October 1–December 31, 2006, The Baltimore Museum of Art presents nearly 200 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and artist palettes from his acclaimed collection in A View Toward Paris: The Lucas Collection of 19th-Century French Art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.

The Lucas Collection illuminates the rich diversity of 19th-century French art and captures the achievements of at least two generations of French painters, from Eugène Delacroix to Mary Cassatt, as well as many lesser known artists who were popular at the time. George A. Lucas (1824-1909) spent five decades in Paris visiting the studios of the most successful artists of his day and buying art for American collectors such as the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. He also amassed more than 20,000 works of art for his own collection, recognized today as one of the most representative assemblages of 19th-century French art in America.

“The Lucas Collection makes Baltimore one of the foremost centers for the appreciation of 19^th century French art,” said BMA Director Doreen Bolger. “On the 10^th anniversary of the BMA’s acquisition of this tremendous art resource, we are grateful to the State of Maryland and numerous individual donors for having made it possible.”

The exhibition reflects the major artistic movements of the 19^th century, including Orientalist works by Benjamin Constant and Prosper Marilhat, caricatures by renowned satirist Honoré Daumier, Barbizon paintings by Theodore Rousseau and Charles Daubigny, and sculpture by Rodin’s teacher, Antoine-Louis Barye, as well as works by artists who achieved prominence during their lifetimes only to be forgotten with the passage of time.

This year the BMA celebrates the 10th anniversary of the acquisition of the Lucas Collection. After being on extended loan to the BMA for more than 60 years, the collection was purchased from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1996 through the support of the State of Maryland and the great generosity of numerous individuals in the community.

This exhibition is curated by BMA Senior Curator of European Painting & Sculpture Sona Johnston.

About the Baltimore Museum of Art

Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) inspires people of all ages and backgrounds through exhibitions, programs, and collections that tell an expansive story of art—challenging long-held narratives and embracing new voices. Our outstanding collection of more than 97,000 objects spans many eras and cultures and includes the world’s largest public holding of works by Henri Matisse; one of the nation’s finest collections of prints, drawings, and photographs; and a rapidly growing number of works by contemporary artists of diverse backgrounds. The museum is also distinguished by a neoclassical building designed by American architect John Russell Pope and two beautifully landscaped gardens featuring an array of modern and contemporary sculpture. The BMA is located three miles north of the Inner Harbor, adjacent to the main campus of Johns Hopkins University, and has a community branch at Lexington Market. General admission is free so that everyone can enjoy the power of art.