University of Virginia | Art Museum

Henri Matisse
Femme endormie, 1942

In fall 2004, Charlottesville and Besancon moved toward a sister-city relationship by signing a "Proclamation of Friendship." We are pleased to celebrate this new relationship with a special exhibition of 62 drawings from one of the oldest and most esteemed museums in France. Amassed in the 19th-20th centuries, the collection provides a survey of work from the 16th through 20th century and evaluates the function of drawings with respect to their realization in concert with other artistic forms. Works by such artists as Mantegna, Rembrandt, Reubens, and Tiepolo evidence the virtuosity readily seen in paintings by these well- known artists.

Not only is Masterpieces of European Drawing a rare look at works by undisputed masters, it also demonstrates the University of Virginia Art Museum’s effort to enhance Charlottesville’s already lively art scene with high caliber exhibitions that explore the meanings, functions and processes of art. As we move forward in our campaign for a new Museum in the University’s planned Arts Center, you can expect even more outstanding offerings in the years to come. The Masterpieces exhibition will be on view April 9 through UVA Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sunday, June 5, 2005.

      Throughout April and May we will be bringing you a number of events in support of the exhibition, including symposia, special guest lecturers, celebrations and family programs. We hope that you will join us for some or all of these, in addition to viewing the exhibition.

      As you might expect, the cost to present such an exhibition is beyond the Museum’s own resources and is, in fact, in excess of $125,000.  We are seeking support from foundations, corporations, our community, and many other special partners, and I hope that you, too, will consider helping to make this momentous project possible. 

      Your fully tax-deductible annual gift – of any amount – in support of this exhibition is very important to us. We look forward to seeing you at Masterpieces of European Drawing this spring.  Thank you for your consideration and support.

P.S.  Sponsors at the $500 level and above will receive complimentary invitations to the Sponsor’s Opening on April 8, 2005. If your company would like to become a sponsor, please call Dinsmore Fulton at
434-243-8874 for information.

Jan van Goyen
Paysage, 1653