Gallery Talk: Tracing Ownership through Collectors’ Marks

This event does not require registration; see further details below.

Have you ever wondered about the tiny, stamped marks that are often seen on prints and drawings? They are called collectors’ marks: unique stamps or inscriptions that signal ownership. The marks range from initials to coats of arms, animals, plants, and celestial bodies, and they offer important clues in tracing part of the provenance, or history of ownership, of the works. Curator Miriam Stewart will discuss the marks and their collectors and will introduce a fascinating published catalogue of over 6,000 known marks.

This gallery talk is part of our New on View series, highlighting recent gallery installations and presenting new insights into recent acquisitions or old favorites.

Led by:
Miriam Stewart, Curator of the Collection, Division of European and American Art

Please check in with museum staff at the Visitor Services desk in the Calderwood Courtyard to request to join the gallery talk. Space is limited, and talks are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no registration is required.

The Harvard Art Museums offer free admission every day, Tuesday through Sunday. Please see the museum visit page to learn about our general policies for visiting the museums.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to accessibility for all visitors. For anyone requiring accessibility accommodations for our programs, please contact us at am_register@harvard.edu at least 48 hours in advance. Please include the name and date of the program in the subject line of your email.