[xtypo_dropcap]T[/xtypo_dropcap]he National Gallery of Canada (NGC) is a few rare prints richer thanks to a generous donation from the collection of Dr. Margaret Wade Labarge. The Order of Canada recipient who passed away last year was owner of one of Canada’s finest art collections.
The donation consists of nine rare prints including four by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, two by German artist Albrecht Dürer, one by British artist David Young Cameron, one by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi and one by American-born, British-based artist James McNeill Whistler.
Labarge, who inherited much of the collection from her stockbroker father, sought to have the works preserved, prompting her family to donate the works to the NGC.
“Our Mother had explained to us the artistic significance and value of these works,” said Labarge’s son, Paul C. Labarge. “What we also learned to appreciate was their fragility and the need to ensure their maintenance. She felt strongly that they should be available to the public and scholars in an environment that would ensure their continued preservation for future generations.”
The NGC is home to the most important collections of historical and contemporary Canadian art in the world. The gallery also houses the country’s most complete collection of European art from the 14th to 20th century.
“The Wade Labarge collection is one of great art historical significance and we are honoured to accept this generous gift from the family,” said NGC Director Marc Mayer.
“All nine prints were produced by master artists of historical and aesthetic importance and are of the highest quality. They are a wonderful complement to other works in the National Gallery of Canada’s internationally respected print collection.”
Some of the donation highlights include Rembrandt’s etching “The Windmill” (1641), believed to represent the artist’s birthplace. Albrecht Dürer’s “St. Jerome in his Study” (1514), is a compelling image of contemplative life and is known as one of the German Renaissance artist’s three “master engravings.” Durer’s other engravings—“Melancholia I” (1514) and “The Knight, Death and the Devil” (1513)—are already in the NGC’s collection and this gift completes the series.
Labarge, who passed away last year at the age of 93, was known for her distinguished career as a medieval scholar. She was named to the Order of Canada in 1982 for her work as an historian and a volunteer on behalf of nurses and the aged.
“We could not think of a better tribute to a historian than to ensure the survival of these works by donating them to a national institution for the benefit of Canada, the country that she had adopted as her own with such enthusiasm and dedication,” said her son Paul.
All nine of the donated prints are featured in the NGC’s exhibition “Art of the Print: Recent Acquisitions from Rembrandt to Picasso,” on view until Jan. 2, 2011.
The donation consists of nine rare prints including four by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, two by German artist Albrecht Dürer, one by British artist David Young Cameron, one by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi and one by American-born, British-based artist James McNeill Whistler.
Labarge, who inherited much of the collection from her stockbroker father, sought to have the works preserved, prompting her family to donate the works to the NGC.
“Our Mother had explained to us the artistic significance and value of these works,” said Labarge’s son, Paul C. Labarge. “What we also learned to appreciate was their fragility and the need to ensure their maintenance. She felt strongly that they should be available to the public and scholars in an environment that would ensure their continued preservation for future generations.”
The NGC is home to the most important collections of historical and contemporary Canadian art in the world. The gallery also houses the country’s most complete collection of European art from the 14th to 20th century.
“The Wade Labarge collection is one of great art historical significance and we are honoured to accept this generous gift from the family,” said NGC Director Marc Mayer.
“All nine prints were produced by master artists of historical and aesthetic importance and are of the highest quality. They are a wonderful complement to other works in the National Gallery of Canada’s internationally respected print collection.”
Some of the donation highlights include Rembrandt’s etching “The Windmill” (1641), believed to represent the artist’s birthplace. Albrecht Dürer’s “St. Jerome in his Study” (1514), is a compelling image of contemplative life and is known as one of the German Renaissance artist’s three “master engravings.” Durer’s other engravings—“Melancholia I” (1514) and “The Knight, Death and the Devil” (1513)—are already in the NGC’s collection and this gift completes the series.
Labarge, who passed away last year at the age of 93, was known for her distinguished career as a medieval scholar. She was named to the Order of Canada in 1982 for her work as an historian and a volunteer on behalf of nurses and the aged.
“We could not think of a better tribute to a historian than to ensure the survival of these works by donating them to a national institution for the benefit of Canada, the country that she had adopted as her own with such enthusiasm and dedication,” said her son Paul.
All nine of the donated prints are featured in the NGC’s exhibition “Art of the Print: Recent Acquisitions from Rembrandt to Picasso,” on view until Jan. 2, 2011.
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