Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu (French, 1833–91). A Bust of Alexandre Dumas, pere, after 1876, terracotta. The Smith-Naifeh Collection.
Take a European sojourn with Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion
Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection brings together more than 70 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, offering a sweeping look at the vibrant and transformative world of 19th-century European art. Drawn entirely from the renowned Smith-Naifeh Collection, carefully assembled over decades by South Carolina-based collectors and scholars Gregory Smith and Stephen Naifeh, the exhibition captures a century defined by dramatic cultural, social, and artistic shifts. Many of the works on view were created by pioneers of their time, influencing or working alongside legendary figures such as Vincent van Gogh (about whom Smith and Naifeh wrote a critically acclaimed biography). The exhibition also marks a rare chance to experience a major portion of this outstanding private collection. It is the most comprehensive public presentation of the Smith-Naifeh Collection to date. Organized into three thematic sections, the show invites visitors on a journey through the evolving styles and ideas that defined a century.
• Renaissance features artists whose work reflected classical ideals, embracing harmony, nature, and rigorous academic training, that met the high standards of Europe’s elite salons.
• Romanticism delves into the emotional heart of the era, showcasing dramatic stories and powerful landscapes that invite awe, empathy, and deep reflection.
• Rebellion highlights the rule-breakers — artists who defied tradition with daring subjects and bold techniques, setting the stage for the rise of modernism.
–Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, is senior curator of American Art at The Mint Museum