As part of the Gallery’s National Programmes, we are keen to support important collections of Old Master paintings in museums around the UK.
One of the most important collections resides at York Art Gallery, which is currently closed for a major redevelopment project until 2015. During this period four paintings will be on display at the National Gallery.
Visitors to the National Gallery will be able to see Alexander Adriaenssen the Elder's Still Life with Fish and Cat, Annibale Carracci's Portrait of Monsignor Agucchi, William Etty's Portrait of Mlle Rachel and Parmigianino's Portrait of a Man with a Book.
York Art Gallery
Opened in 1892, York Art Gallery has designated collections of fine and decorative art of national and international importance; over 1,000 paintings, 15,000 works on paper and 100 sculptures give an overview of the history of Western Art.
The fine art collection has developed through a series of purchases, gifts and bequests, including one of the largest and most important public collections of works by William Etty, including his sketchbooks, oil studies and completed paintings such as 'Portrait of Mlle Rachel'. The 'Still Life with Fish and Cat' by Andriaenssen was part of local entrepreneur John Burton's bequest in 1882.
In 1955 F.D Lycett Green presented his entire collection of over 100 Old Master paintings to York Art Gallery through the Art Fund. This bequest transformed the quality and stature of the fine art collections at York, and included the two works by Carracci and Parmigianino, now on display at the National Gallery.
York Art Gallery's major redevelopment project will create 60% more display space for exhibitions, a new Centre for British Studio Ceramics and new collection displays. While this takes place, several touring exhibitions and projects, including the four loans to the National Gallery, are taking place around the UK.
Find out more about York Art Gallery's redevelopment