The Frick Collection in New York

The Frick Collection is not just oddities; it's a treasure trove, arguably hosting the finest assembly of Western European painting in all of America.

The Frick Collection stands as one of the most unique and atmospheric museums in the city. Housed in the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick, a major American industrialist, it opened to the public in 1935. The mansion itself, styled after the grandest European museums like the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris, is a masterpiece in its own right.

Who is this Frick?

The Frick Collection is arguably the most underrated museum in the world. To many, the name itself might sound menacing, yet it actually houses masterpieces of classical European painting, collected by a man who seemed utterly distant from the world of art.

In some respects, he lived up to the sound of his last name (although it's spelled "Frick," not "Freak"). According to contemporaries, Frick was a despicable man: a harsh and sometimes cruel leader, a domestic tyrant, and an unprincipled friend. He has been remembered in history as "the most hated man in America." And such titles, especially enduring ones, are not given lightly.

Frick's Love for Art

Like any career-driven supervillain, Frick had a soft spot, and it was a noble one — classical European art. To ensure that his favorite paintings harmonized with their surroundings, he even built a neoclassical mansion on Manhattan near Central Park. It is in this new residence that the bulk of his collection was and still is housed.

Frick did not rush nor indiscriminately purchase everything he saw. He acquired works from renowned artists as his wealth grew, though he started quite early. Therefore, some of the paintings remained in his homeland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Some of these works were even shared with the campus of the local university by the Frick family. However, the main body of the collection is housed in the industrialist's Manhattan home.

Gems of the Frick Collection

Frick had a penchant for strict classicism, which influenced everything from his business dealings to the organization of his home and, of course, the art he collected. His collection is primarily composed of masters recognized by the schools of Italy, Germany, and France, perhaps not always widely popular, but unequivocally esteemed.

Alongside the Italians, the collection also includes other classics such as Hans Holbein, Rembrandt, Jan Vermeer, El Greco, Titian, Pieter Bruegel, François Boucher, and Diego Velázquez. These works are primarily classic realistic portraits or scenes in the Rococo style.

Why the Frick Collection?

It's a valid question, considering other museums also boast extensive collections of European portrait painting, and are often larger and more structured. But the appeal of the Frick Collection is straightforward.

• Firstly, it is arguably the largest collection of works so crucial in the history of world art available in America.
• Secondly, the Frick Collection is free from the "tourist frenzy" that you might find in more famous museums like the Louvre. This makes it much easier to stroll through and genuinely enjoy the art without having to squeeze through crowds or struggle to see the works.
• Thirdly, because Frick was something of a control freak even here: many of the works are hung exactly in the order and places he personally arranged. Visiting this museum, you literally step into the mind of a man who meticulously collected masterpieces throughout his life, deriving genuine pleasure from them and eager to share this beauty with the world.
• Fourthly, there's the variety. The Frick is not just a gallery; in addition to paintings, it also features several sculptures, original 18th-century French furniture, and works in porcelain and glass.

Interesting Facts about the Frick Collection

• Collection of Masterpieces: The museum's collection includes works by many great European artists, such as Titian, Vermeer, Rembrandt, El Greco, and many others.
• Unique Gallery Atmosphere: The mansion is styled as a domestic gallery, where each room has its unique style and atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the era when these masterpieces were created.
• Innovative Presentation: Unlike traditional museums, the Frick Collection does not use descriptive labels next to the paintings. Instead, visitors can use an audio guide that provides detailed narratives about each artwork, its creator, and the context of its creation. This fosters a deeper and more personal interaction with the art.
• Dynamic Temporary Exhibitions: The Frick Collection is also known for its temporary exhibitions, which often focus on specific aspects of the collection or feature rare artworks on loan from other museums or private collections. This makes every visit to the museum a unique experience, offering new perspectives and discoveries, even for frequent visitors.

In summary, if you find yourself in New York, the Frick Collection is a must-visit destination. This place truly offers a soulful retreat, proving that even a hardworking American industrialist knew the value of cultural and beneficial relaxation.