Recent Acquisitions, Part II: Building the Collection

This exhibition of over 30 objects—from Roman antiquities to contemporary prints—celebrates the great breadth of works acquired by the Harvard Art Museums over the last four years. Building the Collection demonstrates the museums’ commitment to assembling holdings that advance the knowledge and appreciation of art through research, teaching, professional training, and public education. Featured objects include a limestone Head of Buddha from Thailand (7th or early 8th century); an Indian painting, Rama’s Brother Pulling a Thorn from His Foot (18th century); a drawing by Gustave Moreau, Hesiod and the Muse (1857); and contemporary artist Kara Walker’s “portrait” of Harlem Renaissance sculptor Augusta Savage (2010).

Coordinated by Michelle Lamunière, John R. and Barbara Robinson Family Assistant Curator of Photography, Division of Modern and Contemporary Art, Harvard Art Museums.

This exhibition is made possible by generous support from the Alexander S., Robert L., and Bruce A. Beal Exhibition Fund and the Emily Rauh Pulitzer and Joseph Pulitzer Jr. Fund for Modern and Contemporary Art, Harvard Art Museums.