Unlike his father, George Vanderbilt wasn't a huge art collector. He collected prints, but beyond that, he generally preferred to spend his money on his home and lands rather than paintings and sculptures. However, he still managed to acquire quite a few notable works of art that are now on display at Biltmore. Here are some of my favorites.
Category: American Art
A Beautiful Bierstadt Painting (DailyArt Magazine)
I saw this spectacular little oil sketch at the Newark Museum, and I instantly fell in love. So, when DailyArt Magazine asked me to pick an artwork for Painting of the Week, the choice was clear.
The Romance of the Mountains at the Newark Museum
Thoughts on the Newark Museum's exhibition The Rockies & The Alps: Bierstadt, Calame, and the Romance of the Mountains (March through August 2018).
The Appeal of John Singer Sargent
Many people find John Singer Sargent's work to be very appealing, but this isn't always the case. He has received sometimes-contradictory criticism both in his own time and now. What makes Sargent's work so compelling?
The Mysterious Daughters of Edward Darley Boit
John Singer Sargent's 1882 painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit is compelling and a bit mysterious. While reading Erica Hirshler's book about the painting, I learned that interpretations of the work have changed over time, and Sargent's contemporaries didn't read the same tone into it that we do.
The War of Art: A John Singer Sargent Fun Fact
A little backstory on John Singer Sargent's portrait of French siblings Edouard and Marie-Louise Pailleron. In this unusual case, animosity between the artist and one of the sitters made for surprisingly effective painting.
Edwin Austin Abbey (DailyArt Magazine)
After enjoying two spectacular Shakespeare paintings by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey, I was inspired to write an article about him for DailyArt Magazine.
Charles Santore (DailyArt Magazine)
An article about American illustrator Charles Santore, which I wrote for DailyArt Magazine in time with an exhibition at the Woodmere Art Museum (Spring 2018).
A Review of the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is a small museum focused on American art. It has a lovely atmosphere, and I visit at least once a year. Learn why I enjoy it in and what I saw on my most recent visit.
William the Hippopotamus Makes a New Friend
Conversation Between Two Hippos pairs the Met's famous mascot, William, with a 1936 adaptation by Carl Walters. As a big William fan, I was so excited to see the two hippos displayed together in the Metropolitan's ancient Egyptian wing.
