Art Institute of Chicago Expands Collection with Major Gift of French Neoclassical Art

The Art Institute of Chicago has received a significant boost to its collection with a landmark donation from collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz. The couple, known for their passion for French Neoclassical art, has gifted the museum a vast array of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 18th and 19th centuries, marking one of the most important additions to the museum’s European art holdings in recent years.

The Horvitz collection is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive private collections of its kind, featuring works by renowned Neoclassical artists who helped shape European artistic movements. French Neoclassicism, which emerged in the late 18th century, emphasized clarity, order, and historical themes inspired by the art of ancient Greece and Rome. The period produced masterpieces that reflected both the intellectual ideals of the Enlightenment and the grandeur of Napoleonic France.

For the Art Institute, this gift enhances its ability to present a fuller picture of European art history. While the museum has long been recognized for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist holdings, the new additions will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the stylistic evolution that preceded these movements.

“We are honored and grateful for this extraordinary gift,” said a museum spokesperson. “It allows us to tell a more complete story of French art and to showcase the artistic innovations that defined an important period in history.”

Plans are already in motion to exhibit selections from the collection, giving the public the opportunity to appreciate these works in person. The museum is expected to organize lectures, tours, and educational programs to explore the significance of the Neoclassical era and its enduring influence on art and culture.