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One of the oldest art museums in the United States, the Wadsworth Atheneum began collecting Northern art in 1842, placing it among the earliest American institutions to acquire Dutch and Flemish paintings. It has a significant collection of this school that comprises paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, and Frans Hals. Perhaps more pertinent to its profile is the presence of lesser known masters such as Jacob Pynas, Cornelis van Poelenburgh, and Nicholaes Berchem, all represented with important works. The collection is particularly strong in late-sixteenth century Mannerism, still life’s, and works by the so called Italianates. With Michael Sweerts Burying the Dead and a Roman Carneval scene by Jan Miel, the museum presents two outstanding examples of Northern artists working in Rome. A collection catalog published under the auspices of Egbert Haverkamp-Begemann in 1978, continues to provide a solid overview of its ever-growing collection.
Oliver Tostmann, Susan Morse Hilles Curator of European paintings, sculptures, and works on paper (February 2020)