The Nineteenth Century: American and European Art

Museum of Art Museum of Art

Exhibition: The Nineteenth Century: American and European Art

Dates:

Location:

Boyd Gallery
This exhibition features outstanding nineteenth-century paintings and sculptures from the Museum’s permanent collection.

Selected Works

"Temple of Aphaea, Aegina," ca. 1870–1879, by John Rollin Tilton, American, 1828-1888. Bequest of Miss Mary Sophia Walker.
"Leatherstocking’s Rescue II," 1832, by John Quidor, American, 1801-1881. Museum Purchase, Lloyd O. and Marjorie Strong Coulter Fund
"Council of War," ca. 1895, oil on canvas by Hermanus Willem Koekkoek, Dutch, 1867–192. Bequest of Miss Mary Sophia Walker.
"Port of Le Havre," 1887, oil on canvas by Eugène Louis Boudin, French, 1824–1898. Bequest of Mildred Curtis Hughson, in memory of her father, William John Curtis, Class of 1875

About

Gifts of major art collections by James Bowdoin III in 1811 and Harriet Sarah and Mary Sophia Walker beginning in 1894 bookend a century of collecting at Bowdoin. This exhibition highlights works of nineteenth-century art from Europe and North America, many of which were on view in the inaugural installation of this building 125 years ago.

The nineteenth century witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the development of new technologies. In Europe and North America, many nations sought to expand their colonial empires into new lands. At the same time, economic, racial, and political divisions led to social upheaval and frequent military engagements. Artists of the nineteenth century created works that confronted this history, though many also found refuge and inspiration in either the past or in the relative calm of wilderness.