Avid art collectors, George and Belle Smith traveled to Europe in 1882, just after promising their art collection to the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The couple had planned a two year sojourn to study and collect fine and decorative arts. Many socialites and intellects participated in the Grand Tour of Europe, a popular activity for English and American aristocrats beginning in the late 17th century through the Victorian era. This talk will give highlights of the two-and-a-half years the Smiths lived in Venice, Italy when they amassed the collection of Italian paintings now on display in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum.
Presented by Julia Courtney, Curator of Art, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.
Cookies and beverage are provided courtesy of Big Y.
Followed by a Museum members-only Continuing Conversation with docents Betty Romer and Richard O’Brien.
