Press Release - Rearrangement and New Acquisitions

The Frick Collection Rearrangement and New Acquisitions In the past two weeks the Frick Collection has undergone its first complete rearrangement since it was opened to the public in 1935. The removal of a number of works of art to a place of safety has made possible an interesting and attractive rehanging of all the galleries. Many paintings may now be studied in different settings. Pictures long off display may be seen again. Drawings and prints by Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens, Durer, Whistler, and others have been placed on exhibition for the first time; as have also a newly acquired painting by Monet and a set of watercolor drawings by William Blake. Claude Monet's "Vetheuil in Winter” is the first work of this artist acquired by the Frick Collection. Painted in 1879-80 at the height of his powers this canvas is remarkable for the way the structural planes of the landscape are set in depth by the use of subtle tonalities. The suggestion of wintry, slightly misty air and still snowy sky is beautifully rendered. The contrast and interrelation of cold tones and warm tones is masterly. The painting comes from the collection if Emile Staub-Terlinden, Mannedorf, Switzerland, and has been exhibited at Winterthur, 1916, in Zurich, 1917, and in Paris, 1938. The recently acquired folio of watercolors by William Blake contains twenty-eight illustrations to Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” and one probably intended to illustrate Milton’s “Paradise Regained.” Formerly in the collection of the Marquess of Crewe, these watercolors were seen by W.M. Rosetti towards the middle of the nineteenth century. Since then they remained relatively unknown until recently they were restudied by the distinguished Blake scholar, Geoffrey Keynes. The Frick Collection is remaining open at its usual hours and is continuing its normal activities. June 5th, 1942