The Clark Art Institute
Tucked deep inside a pastoral corner of Western Massachusetts, right along the New York and Vermont borders, "The Clark" welcomes the public to tour its prestigious collections and enjoy its pristine natural environs. Both museum and research institution, it provides quiet reflection to visitors and scholars alike.
The original building (1955) of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, now The Clark Art Institute, or simply "The Clark". In addition to the Clark's private art collection, the Museum also contains the Clark Library, an art reference and research facility containing an extensive collection of 235,000 bound books and materials, and 650 journal subscriptions. The Museum facility is also the seat of the Williams College art history graduate program.
Sterling and Francine (Clary) Clark at their museum's opening to the public. The Clark's held their collection privately in New York City until, during the Cold War, they became increasingly concerned about the threat of the city being bombed. In order to safeguard their collection, they chose Williamstown as a quiet place in the country far away from the city. Also, in the past, both Sterling's father and grandfather had been trustees of Williams College providing a connection to the town.
Image: courtesy of the Clark Art Institute.
Detail of the museum's original front entrance, no longer utilized for that purpose. Sterling and Francine Clark are both interred here; they died four years apart in 1956 and 1960, respectively.
In 2001, a large scale construction/renovation plan was initiated lasting over 13 years, and encompassing the expansion and improvement of both structure and landscape. The left side of the photo shows a corner of the original building where the new additions are attached.
The new main entrance...the gateway to the wonders within.
View from the reflecting pool located at the new museum entrance.
Fine lines...
Inside-outside.
Resting my bones in the deep, penetrating summer sun.
Visitors enjoying the museum's grounds.
The following photos sample just a few items from the paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and decorative arts that encompass the 8,000 objects in the collection.
"Bacchante and Infant Faun", Frederick MacMonnies, detail. The Clark statuette is a bronze reduction of the 83-inch original.
The original statue caused a fracas due to its overt nudity and intemperate overtones leading the BPL Trustees to reject the sculpture in 1895. The Metropolitan Museum of Art gladly accepted the piece into its collection. Later, when cultural mores became less strict many copies were eventually made due to its increased popularity. (image and text: Courtyard at the BPL, from Tankful Travels post "The Boston Public Library").
Gallery: a sampling of the Clark's collection
This large and airy gallery is filled with Impressionist work, particularly, Renoir, Monet, Morisot, Rodin--leaders of the movement. It is the same room previously featured in the photo of the Clarks on the museum's opening day.
Detail of the frieze above the doorway in the Impressionist paintings gallery.
Long shot showing the expansion of the museum from the back of the campus on the nature trail that leads up to the Stone Hill Center, an adjunct temporary exhibition space, and conservation department for the Museum.
Stone Hill Center.
Detail of entrance. The modern lines reflect those seen in the museum's addition.
The main corridor transects the galleries. Photography is not permitted inside the galleries due to copyright permission of the temporary exhibitions.
Detail of sculpture by David Smith, the artist's work is currently on view here.
Patio/cafe at the Center overlooking the northern Berkshire mountains.
This bridge lies adjacent to the Stone Hill Center parking lot...
and leads to some moderately sloping woodland trails, all within the 140 acre campus.
Looking down from the top of the hill at the Clark campus, Williams College, and the Berkshire mountains beyond. A delightful end to a wonderful day!
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