Julian and Josie Robertson's Promised Gift

Take a rare opportunity to glimpse into the private art collection of American philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson, and view extraordinary work by some of the major European artists, from Dalí to Derain, Matisse to Mondrian.

Inspired by a six-month business trip to Auckland, the Robertsons began their love affair with New Zealand in 1979. Thirty years later, and with an enduring relationship established, they announced a significant gift of European modernist works to the Auckland Art Gallery - the largest gift ever made to an Australasian art gallery.

Now, for the first time, this gift is on display in its entirety, allowing you to explore paintings and prints by the masters of the modern era. Discover Picasso's Mere aux enfants à l'orange, 1951, which features his young lover, François Gilot, alongside their children, Claude and Paloma. See for yourself Cézanne's La route (Le mur d'enceinte), 1875-6, which illustrates the signature style that proved so influential to the art world of the late 1800s, and take a closer look at the disturbing and dream-like world of Salvador Dalí's Instrument masochiste, 1933-4.

With 15 works covering the period from 1875 to 1951, including a full set of Matisse's Jazz, the Julian and Josie Robertson Promised Gift brings you face to face with the artists who changed our world, including Gauguin, Braque, Léger, Bonnard and Fantin-Latour, and with masterpieces seldom seen.

PUBLICATION

A companion catalogue is available for purchase in the Gallery shop and features an interview with Julian and Josie Robertson, as well as an introduction by Senior Curator Mary Kisler and profiles on each of the 15 works.

Title: Promised Gift of Julian and Josie Robertson
Text by: Mary Kisler
Publisher: Auckland Art Gallery
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0-86463-281-9
RRP: $15.00