Yale Art Gallery Acquires Private Collection of 19th c Works

New York collectors Roberta Olson and Alexander Johnson donated and sold their private collection of 19th-century Italian artworks to The Yale University Art Gallery in an exciting acquisition.

The collection is 1200 drawings, 75 sculptures, and 100 paintings of the 1800’s. Together, these works illustrate and define the multiple artistic trends at play in the art and politics of the Italian Peninsula from 1780 to 1850. Even though this period is lesser known than previous centuries in Italy, the artistic talent is plentiful. Pinelli and Gigante are two artists featured in depth. 

Over 39 of Bartolomeo Pinelli’s works are in the collection. He is best known for his watercolors of brigandage in the Roman countryside but also has large mythological drawings from his earlier works and scenes of daily life. Giacinto Gigante is a remarkable artist who gained more recognition after the donation. A highlight is an album containing 55 drawings and watercolors of his. The collectors appreciated a piece depicting smoking Mount Vesuvius because Gigante personally notated the drawing, which displays his love for Naples. Countless other artists comprise the substantial donation.

Roberta described forming the collection as “a true labor of love,” taking over 50 years. The two have an affection for Italian art and artists which compliments their expertise in collecting. So, finding a proper home while keeping the unique, extensive collection intact was essential. Since Yale is an academic institution with reputable departments in Classics and Italian Studies, it provides a proper space for study and exhibition. The collectors agreed to split the value between part purchase and part gift with the museum. Now students and visitors have the opportunity to experience the history of 19th-century Italy through these artworks. 

Tannis Norton