Manet, Rousseau, Rivera - OH MY!

Walking up to the house through the gardens

Last week I was one member of a group lucky enough to tour a local area resident's art collection.  Now, when I say art collection, I mean ART COLLECTION.  Yes, this is someone who played with the big boys. Someone who has sold art at Christie's for almost $30 million. But someone who also was the most gracious host.  Who welcomed us at the door of his home in a jacket and tie.  Who, despite the publicly-recognized masterpieces hanging throughout his home, showed me his most precious artwork:  a drawing done by his granddaughter, installed above his desk.

That was the perfect illustration of an art collection built of items that were loved and appreciated.  Yes, the collection had impressive artworks, but most had been purchased by the owner (or his parents) before the artists were famous. They were purchased because the owner loved the artwork and also thought the artist had potential.  The scope of what he loves is very broad.  There were surprises at every turn.  Contemporary assemblage was displayed on the wall next to turn-of-the-century photography.  I couldn't take pictures of everything nor find titles for the works, but here are some of the "big name" pieces I saw.

Manet:

 Rousseau:

Picasso:

Lautrec:

Rivera:

Any favorites?