Art for the nation

the long version

Art for the Nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the National Gallery of Art on March 17, 1941. That event was the culmination of many years’ effort by Andrew W. Mellon to establish an art museum of the highest possible quality in the nation’s capital. The gift of his superlative collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as the original Gallery building and endowments, were quickly followed by major donations from other collectors. This catalog examines the new donations of works of art made in celebration of the Gallery’s 50th anniversary to enhance the permanent collection. More than 150 benefactors are represented here by more than 300 works of art.