I have just returned from a trip to Maine, and one of the highlights of the visit was the Colby College Museum of Art. What a wonderful discovery! Tucked away in the relatively remote small town of Waterville, this museum has a world class collection. Little did I know!
When I entered the first gallery, I was greeted by Robert Henri's "Bucko O'Malley" (top image). Like many other painters, I consider Henri's book, The Art Spirit, a kind of bible. Seeing this portrait by Henri was like running into an old friend. In the same gallery was the beautiful double portrait by John Singer Sargent, "Francois Flameng and Paul Helleu". Sargent is a master of the reds, and this painting proves the point.
I was already thinking this was an embarrassment of riches, when my eyes fell on a portrait by Mary Cassatt, and another by James McNeil Whistler. I learned that the Museum has the most extensive collection of Whistler's works in any academic museum. Over 300 etchings and lithographs, and also works in other media. Thanks to a robust website, you can see them all here.
The Museum's collection is not limited to old masters. There is beautiful work by the American abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell. And the current exhibit focuses on another American artist, who is still creating today, Alex Katz. Katz has donated over 700 works to the Museum. It's an amazing collection.
I know that Maine is an outdoor lovers haven. But if you visit, try to find time for this fabulous museum. You won't disappointed.
