Kimbell displays European masterpieces collection
by Brian Shults, reporter

    A comprehensive exhibition of European master and modern paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries are on view exclusively at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth through May 27.

    European Masterpieces: Six Centuries of Paintings from the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia is “the finest collection of Western art in the Southern Hemisphere,” Timothy Potts, the museum’s director, said.

    The exhibition contains works from such virtuosos as El Greco, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Van Dyck, Hockney, Picasso and Monet. The National Gallery is lending 88 of its most prominent pieces to the Kimbell.

    The exhibit contains works from each genre, encompassing all styles.

    Paintings are displayed chronologically, enabling a progressive sense of viewing.

    The main attractions include Edward Burne-Jones’ The Garden of Pan, Rembrandt’s Portrait of a White Haired Man, Francis Bacon’s Study from the Human Body and Picasso’s Weeping Woman.

    Potts, previously a director at the National Gallery, arranged for the exhibit to make its debut in the United States. The National Gallery is currently being refurbished and is temporarily closed, which allows the Kimbell to present the European masterpieces for a brief period of time.

    The Kimbell’s exceptional lighting was also a contributing factor in selecting the single museum for the works to be displayed.

    The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities; in addition, American Airlines, Wells Fargo and WFAA-TV provided promotional support.

    Admission for students, with identification, and senior citizens is $6, adults $8, and children 6-11 $4. Tuesday is half-price day. To receive group rates, call 817-332-8451, ext. 229.

    Same-day tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced tickets are available through TicketMaster.

    The museum is open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday noon-8 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.

    The museum offers public tours on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 6 and 6:30 p.m. A series of lectures by leading scholars in European art will be held each Friday at 7 p.m.

    For further information on the European Masterpiece exhibit, call 817-332-8451 or visit the museum online at www.kimbellart.org.