African masks and sculptures in the collection of the Barnes (The Barnes Foundation)
The Barnes Foundation is one of the finest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modernist art. Over three decades, founder Albert C. Barnes amassed a collection of more than 3,000 pieces including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, displaying them alongside African masks, native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative metalwork. Opened in 2012, the Barnes’ Center City Philadelphia location replicates the interior of the facility’s original Merion, Pennsylvania, gallery with Barnes’ final 1951 arrangement of the collection still on view.
In a three-session series, participants are guided by Barnes Foundation educator Penny Hansen as she presents masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse, as well as Picasso, Seurat, Rousseau, Modigliani, Monet, Manet, and Degas. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities, Chinese painting, African sculpture, Southwestern retablos, Native American art, and American decorative art are also viewed.
Using high-definition Deep Zoom technology developed by the Barnes, Hansen offers closeup looks at the canvases and objects that reveal their surfaces and details in ways that bring the art and the artists to vivid life. The virtual visit also focuses on the history of the collection, including the unique approach to displaying artworks and objects in groupings created by Albert Barnes.
3 sessions
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit*
General Information
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
