Besides founding museums and having lots of money, what did Abby Rockefeller, a strict Baptist; Harry du Pont, an introverted aesthete; and the ebullient businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post have in common? As it turns out, linen closets piled with a rainbow selection of Marshal Fry napkins and placemats.
Exhibitions: The American Renaissance at Yale
Warren Buffet once told his shareholders that he and his team “enjoy the process far more than the proceeds.” That may be hard to believe for anyone not enjoying his fortune, but the truth is, no matter what the endeavor, it is better to travel hopefully than arrive.
Exhibitions: Siena, an Art-Historical Brigadoon
In the grand arc of the history of Western painting, Siena is indisputably important, but one is not quite sure in what way.
Artful Distortions
In the nineteenth century Paul Kane’s dignified and captivatingly detailed paintings of Native American life, along with the artist’s published travelogue from his sojourn across the continent, did much to form Western notions about North America’s original inhabitants…
Objects: Eggs for Kings
Treasured and embellished ostrich eggs litter what is one of the strangest side paths of decorative arts history—as well as one of the oldest…
Field Notes: Redefining Americana
If it were in any other city, the Brooklyn Museum would be a world-class destination—and for the savvy museumgoer it already is.
Alpine Design
The Alps are an altered state. Perhaps one could say as much for all mountains…
Publisher’s Letter: November/December 2024
Publisher Don Sparacin welcomes the November/December 2024 issue.
The Ballets Russes Goes To San Antonio
Women of the Ballets Russes take center stage at a new McNay Art Museum exhibition.
Curious Objects: Introducing the Fine Objects Society
In this episode, Ben Miller introduces the Fine Objects Society…










