A significant art donation has elevated the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, thanks to the generous contribution of collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz. With a staggering 2,250 French art pieces spanning the 16th to 19th centuries, this gift marks a substantial addition to the museum’s cultural wealth.
The Horvitzes, known figures in the art world, have previously showcased their collection through two exhibitions at the museum. Jeffrey, a prominent private investor featured in the ARTnews Top 200 Collectors list from 1994 to 1999, and Carol, a current trustee at the Art Institute of Chicago, have demonstrated their passion for art through this remarkable gesture.
Among the vast array of artworks, the majority–approximately 2,000 pieces–comprise drawings. The remaining 250 works consist of 200 paintings and 50 sculptures, establishing their collection as a significant reservoir of French art from the specified centuries, privately held in the United States.
The Horvitzes have not only donated these exquisite pieces but also allocated funds for their preservation and care, ensuring the longevity of these artistic treasures. While the exact amount of their financial support remains undisclosed by the museum, their commitment to safeguarding these works is evident.
The collection embodies a rich tapestry of French art history, featuring notable artists like François Boucher and Théodore Géricault, among others. However, its essence lies in Neoclassicism, a movement that emerged in response to the opulence of the era, emphasizing reason, morality, and antiquity. Through the lens of Neoclassicism, artists sought inspiration from ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, reflecting a desire for intellectual and ethical revival in art.
Jeffrey Horvitz expressed his vision for the collection to remain intact, transcending individual pieces to create a cohesive narrative within a major American museum. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of accessibility for visitors, scholars, and curators, underscoring the enduring impact of their contribution on art enthusiasts.
Here are seven noteworthy works from the Horvitz Collection now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago:
François-André Vincent, Rinaldo and Armida, ca. 1787
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Jacques-Louis David, Andromache Mourning the Death of Hector, ca. 1783
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Nicolas-André Monsiau, Alexander the Great Attacking the Oxydrakai, 1809
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Jean Jacques François Lebarbier, Man Lunging Forward, date unknown
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Antoine-François Callet, Allegory of the Concordat, ca. 1802
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Claude Joseph Vernet, After the Storm, 1788
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Jean-Charles-Niçaise Perrin, Death of Seneca, ca. 1788
Image Credit: Horvitz Collection
Each piece in the Horvitz Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago tells a unique story, enriching the museum’s cultural landscape with a tapestry of French artistry from centuries past.
