Treasures from the Fitzwilliam Museum: The Increase of Learning and Other Great Objects

March 19-June 18, 1989

Overview: 47 drawings, watercolors, and miniatures, 34 paintings, 23 porcelains, 21 coins and medals, 19 sculptures, 10 works of decorative art, and 8 manuscripts, all dating from the 12th century B.C. to 1919, came from the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge, England. The exhibition explored the encyclopedic approach to museum collecting and the influential role of such an institution in a university community. Fitzwilliam Museum director Michael Jaffé organized the exhibition. Sydney J. Freedberg, chief curator, and Beverly Louise Brown, guest curator of southern baroque painting, were the coordinators at the National Gallery.

Gaillard Ravenel and Mark Leithauser designed the exhibition, and Gordon Anson designed the lighting. Philip Morris Companies, Inc., supported the exhibition, with additional support by British Telecom Inc.

Attendance: 185,020 (92 days)

Location: East Building, Upper Level and Mezzanine, Northeast

Catalogue: Treasures from the Fitzwilliam: "The Increase of Learning and Other Great Objects of that Noble Foundation." Cambridge: The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, 1989.

Brochure: Treasures from the Fitzwilliam Museum: The Increase of Learning and Other Great Objects, by Beverly Louise Brown. Washington, DC: National Gallery of Art, 1989.

Other venues:

Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth

July 15-October 15, 1989

National Academy of Design, New York

November 15, 1989-January 28, 1990

High Museum of Art, Atlanta

February 20-May 6, 1990

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

June 21-September 9, 1990

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