21 masterpieces by influential artists of the 19th and 20th century in “Floral Still Lifes from the Collection of Robert and Jane Meyerhoff.”

Drawing Gallery Focus Show
Floral Still Lifes from the Collection of Robert and Jane Meyerhoff
March 29–June 10, 2007

The Meyerhoffs are famous for having amassed one of the most prized collections of 20th- and 21st-century modern masters. Less well known, are the delicate floral still-life paintings collected by Mrs. Meyerhoff for her own private enjoyment. As a tribute to Mrs. Meyerhoff, whose recent passing is still mourned, the Walters is proud to display this group of minor masterpieces by influential artists of the 19th and 20th century. The selection of approximately 21 watercolors, pastels and drawings includes works by Delacroix, Cézanne, Redon, Klee, Matisse, Magritte, Nolde and Dufy. This group of paintings functions as a mini-meditation on this sub-genre of still-life painting as well as rapidly summarizing the history of early modernism from Impressionism through Surrealism and beyond.

The Walters Art Museum will present 21 masterpieces by influential artists of the 19th and 20th century in “Floral Still Lifes from the Collection of Robert and Jane Meyerhoff.” On view March 29–June 10, the focus show will display a selection of watercolors, pastels and drawings by artists, such as Delacroix, Cézanne, Redon, Schiele, Klee, Matisse and Magritte. On display for the first time as a group, the works will function as a mini-meditation on this sub-category of the still-life genre.

“Each of the flower pictures, chosen with such care by the Meyerhoffs, offers up its own visual delights. Yet when taken as a group, the collection narrates effortlessly the history of early modernism from Impressionism through Surrealism and beyond,” said Eik Kahng, Walters curator of 18th- and 19th-century art.

The Meyerhoffs are distinguished for having amassed one of the most prized collections of post-World War II modern masters. Mrs. Meyerhoff’s allergy to scent also led her to acquire a less well-known collection of floral still-life artworks for her own private enjoyment. The Walters is proud to display this show as a tribute to the late Mrs. Meyerhoff, whose legacy of philanthropy will hopefully inspire generations of art lovers and collectors to come.

“Floral Still Lifes from the Collection of Robert and Jane Meyerhoff” will feature Paul Cézanne’s “Geranium Pot”—one of many watercolors the artist made of this subject—dating around 1885. In their near abstraction, Cézanne’s watercolors are now prized as some of his most influential works. Another highlight will be Paul Klee’s “Orchard” (Obstgarten) from 1925, which illustrates his fascination with the optical properties of color and its perception.

The exhibition is accompanied by a lavishly illustrated, limited edition folio catalogue, produced by the Walters, which will be available exclusively at the Museum Store.

In conjunction with the focus show, the Walters will host The Fragrance of Flowers, the 18th-annual Art Blooms event, Thursday, March 29 through Sunday, April 1. Regional garden clubs will arrange floral displays that interpret works in the Walters’ 19th-century collection and in the exhibitions, “Floral Still Lifes from the Collection of Robert and Jane Meyerhoff” and “Untamed: The Art of Antoine-Louis Barye.” Art Blooms will include an evening cocktail celebration, a lecture/demonstration and a workshop by internationally-acclaimed floral artist Hitomi Gilliam, mini-workshops on floral design and gardening, and docent-led tours.

Art Blooms is hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Museum. For information and tickets to Art Blooms, call 410-547-9000, ext. 305 or visit the Web site at http://www.thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=462.

The Walters Art Museum is located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon Cultural District at North Charles and Centre streets. Its permanent collection includes ancient art, medieval art and manuscripts, decorative objects, Asian art, and Old Master and 19th-century paintings. Peabody Court is the official hotel of the Walters Art Museum. For hotel reservations, call 1-800-292-5500.