Lower Ground Level and Level 1
The MFA’s Art of the America’s wing starts at the lower ground level with works from ancient Mesoamerica and pre-Columbian times, including Native North American art.
Level 1 is rich with works from the colonial and revolutionary era. John Singleton Copley’s recognizable 1768 portrait of Paul Revere greets visitors as they even the Revolutionary Boston rooms. The portrait is flanked by silver works from Reveres studios. In its own case stands his Sons of Liberty bowl, purchased in part through donations from Boston schoolchildren during the 1950s.
The Americans Abroad displays show the influence living overseas had on American artists. Benjamin West’s large 1802 canvas of “The Hope Family,” is one of the primary works in the room. It shows a wealthy merchant and banking family at its home in the Netherlands. Copley’s “King Lear” was painted during his years in London.
Works from Latin America include several side chairs from Venezuela and some colonial era furniture and paintings from Mexico. The Latin rooms feature some interesting small items such as a silver chocolate cup from Chile and mate cup from Argentina, both dating from the 19th century.
The Servison Gallery features portraits of the early American presidents. Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington was used as the artwork for the dollar bill. It is displayed near a larger Stuart painting of Washington and one of his wife, Martha.
Level 2
Level 2 hosts some of the MFA’s most beloved canvases, including John Singer Sargent’s “The Daughters of Eduard Darley Bolt.” The large painting is made all the more special by the fact that the original, large Japanese vases shown on the canvas now sit on either side of it in its museum home.
Another well-known work is Childe Hassam’s “Boston Common by Twilight.” The museum sits just a few miles away from the site depicted in the painting, and some of the scenery has not changed much in more than a century.
The rooms featuring works from the Aesthetic Movement are sure to please visitors who like to see art in a room setting. Late century Japonisme-style paintings and vases are shown in conjunction with period furniture. Tiffany and Rookwood vases, stained glass windows, furniture and tile complete the room.
The museum’s large collection of American Impressionist works takes up several rooms. Smaller works by Mary Cassatt – like her 1891 “Afternoon Tea Party” -- show her influence by Japanese woodblock prints after she saw many of them at an exhibit in Paris in 1890.
Level 3
The top floor displays the most contemporary works in the collection. Pottery items by Russel Wright form a centerpiece of mid-century displays. Alfred Stiegletz and photographers decorate a room dedicated to Modernist photography. Photographic and other works rotate periodically.
Visiting the Museum
The glass and steel architecture of the wing is as much of an attraction and its art collection. The Gund Gallery, under the glass courtyard, is dedicated to special exhibitions. The New American Café sits under the bright glass ceiling and serves a variety of American dishes. Admission to the Art of the Americas wing is included with entrance to the MFA.
The author of this article was given free tickets to visit the MFA through BzzzAgent.
Annabella Gualdoni - Annabella Gualdoni is a lawyer by education but works an educator and real estate professional. She has bought, sold, and renovated ...
