“American Masterpieces from the Batten Collection”

NORFOLK, Va. – (January 2011) – The Chrysler Museum of Art will proudly open American Masterpieces from the Batten Collectionon January 26. The collection of American art is from Jane and the late Frank Batten, Sr., who have generously placed these nine extraordinary paintings on long-term loan as promised gifts to the Chrysler. The group of paintings reflects the Battens’ deep love for America, its scenery, and its people, as well as their passion for sailing.  

The paintings on view from The Batten Collection will include two works by Winslow Homer, in addition to canvases by Alfred Bierstadt, Thomas Hart Benton, Edward Redfield, William Glackens, James Buttersworth and George Bellows. Each painting dramatically enriches the range and depth of the Museum’s already important collection of American paintings. 

“We are deeply grateful to the Battens for sharing the treasures that have given them so much pleasure with the people of Hampton Roads,” says Bill Hennessey, the Museum director. “The Battens made this wonderful commitment because they understood that the satisfactions of collecting include not only the excitement of the chase to secure a great work of art, not only the subsequent pleasure of living with it. They recognized an opportunity to share this experience with others in their home community. The Battens’ pictures will significantly broaden and deepen the Museum’s presentation of our nation’s art in important ways. We hope that their generosity will also be an inspiration to others.”

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums with a world-class collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America. The Museum is located at 245 West Olney Road in Norfolk and is open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. The Chrysler is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on major holidays. Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions may have an admission fee. For exhibitions, programming, and special events, visit www.chrysler.org or call 757-664-6200.
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