The Letters of Bernard Berenson and Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1887-1924: With Correspondence by Mary Berenson - Hardcover

Hadley, Rollin Van N.; Berenson, Bernard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0930350898 ISBN 13: 9780930350895

Publisher: Northeastern Univ Pr, 1987

Synopsis

The correspondence between Berenson, an art critic, and Gardener, a wealthy art collector, documents the development of the Gardener Museum collection

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

"Publishers are so stupid and have to be told the simplest things dozens of times." "I find my resonance to beauty increasing, at a rate to make up for everything." Is this the wit and profundity of Samuel Johnson? No, these are comments from the letters of art connoisseur Berenson to Isabella Gardner, a wealthy Bostonian collector. Their correspondence is a delightful surprise. It records their transatlantic friendship as Berenson, ensconced in his Italian villa, cajoled and persuaded Gardner to buy Old Masters paintings which would eventually fill the Gardner Museum. Though her letters are superficial, his offer revealing commentary on his love of his chosen profession, his homesickness for New England and his preference for the company of women. Hadley, in his introduction, maintains that although Berenson sometimes revised his attributions, he never changed his opinions in order to influence a client or dealer.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

Gardner, Boston socialite, art collector, and founder of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, maintained a personal and business relationship with art connoisseur Berenson from his student days at Harvard in the late 1880s until her death in 1924. Their letters record a deepening friendship along with a long succession of business transactions as he assisted her in purchasing art works. The letters document travel, illnesses, purchases, and the social life of elite society, and are sprinkled with famous names. Included are chronolgies; a directory of artists; some letters from Berenson's wife, Mary; and 50 halftone illustrations. Of interest to informed laypersons and specialists. Kathryn W. Finkelstein M.L.S., Cincinnati
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Northeastern Univ Pr
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0930350898
• ISBN 13: 9780930350895
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 800