The Chrysler Museum of Art will present American Masterpieces from the Batten Collection on January 26. The collection of American art is from Jane and the late Frank Batten, Sr., who have generously placed these nine extraordinary paintings on long-term loan as promised gifts to the Chrysler. The group of paintings reflects the Battens’ deep love for America, its scenery, and its people, as well as their passion for sailing.
Winslow Homer (American, 1836–1910), Farmer with a Pitchfork. Oil on board. Promised gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Batten. Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va
The paintings on view from The Batten Collection will include two works by Winslow Homer, in addition to canvases by Alfred Bierstadt, Thomas Hart Benton, Edward Redfield, William Glackens, James Butterworth and George Bellows. Each painting dramatically enriches the range and depth of the Museum’s already important collection of American paintings.
“We are deeply grateful to the Battens for sharing the treasures that have given them so much pleasure with the people of Hampton Roads,” says Bill Hennessey, the Museum director. “The Battens made this wonderful commitment because they understood that the satisfactions of collecting include not only the excitement of the chase to secure a great work of art, not only the subsequent pleasure of living with it. They recognized an opportunity to share this experience with others in their home community. The Battens’ pictures will significantly broaden and deepen the Museum’s presentation of our nation’s art in important ways. We hope that their generosity will also be an inspiration to others.”
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