François-Pascal-Simon Gérard (1770–1837), “Prince Camillo Borghese,” circa 1810, oil on canvas, 83-7/8 by 54¾ inches. The Frick Collection, New York
NEW YORK CITY – The Frick Collection said it has made its most important painting purchase since 1991 with the acquisition of François-Pascal-Simon Gérard’s full-length portrait of Prince Camillo Borghese, a notable art patron and the brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte. Gérard was one of the most significant French artists of the first half of the Nineteenth Century, and the Frick noted that this canvas will coalesce seamlessly with the museum’s holdings, which until now have not included his work.
Chronologically, the painting falls between the museum’s French masterpieces by Boucher and Fragonard and later works by Ingres, Renoir, Monet and Manet, while joining contemporaneous portraits by Chinard and David. It will, likewise, find good company in major works of portraiture by Bronzino, Rembrandt, Titian, Holbein, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Romney, Hogarth, Goya and Whistler. Following conservation and technical study this winter and spring at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Prince Camillo Borghese will go on view at the Frick in mid-2018.
Commented chair of the board of trustees Betty Eveillard, “The Frick’s holdings reflect the founder’s discerning taste and his requirement of absolute quality. Just as Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919) made a series of unrushed choices, the growth of the collection in the nearly 100 years since his passing has been steady but measured, including acquisitions of sculpture and decorative arts, always meeting his criteria of highest quality. With this painting, the Frick has found a masterpiece that beautifully complements its esteemed holdings.”
Added director Ian Wardropper, “The last opportunity the Frick had to purchase a major French School painting was nearly 30 years ago, with the 1991 acquisition of Watteau’s ‘Portal of Valenciennes.’ It is deeply rewarding to now bring to the museum such an important, historic work with an unbroken provenance from the Borghese family – still on its original, unlined canvas and in its original frame. It is a portrait we feel would have compelled Henry Clay Frick. While the portrait has been shown in Rome, it has never been seen publicly in America. We look forward to sharing it in the atmospheric setting of the former Frick residence and among equally well-chosen works.”
The Frick Collection is at 1 East 70th Street. For general information, www.frick.org or 212-547-0710.
