Yager Museum Restores
Rockwell Kent Landscape
‘Winter In Berkshires’ Donated By IBM In 1953
ONEONTA – Hartwick College’s Yager Museum has announced the conservation of Rockwell Kent’s “Winter in the Berkshire Hills” has been complete.
The museum contracted with the Williamstown (Mass.) Art Conservation Center, which relined, cleaned, refilled and revarnished the painting. In addition, the frame was stabilized and repainted, as recommended in a 2012 conservation survey of the museum’s collection, was made possible through funds granted by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network.
Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) painted “Winter in the Berkshire Hills” in 1909, one of a number of winter landscapes completed during the early part of Kent’s career, known as his “Monhegan Island” period. The painting exhibits the bold brush strokes and contrasting colors typical of Kent’s work during this period.
“‘Winter in the Berkshire Hills’ is a centerpiece of our fine arts collection of significant European and American paintings, itself a unique resource for both Hartwick College students and the regional community,” said Museum Coordinator Doug Kendall. “The painting was given to the Museum in 1953 by the IBM Corporation, and is one of the most significant works in the collection. We are excited the painting is once again on view in the Museum’s Van Ess Gallery.”
In 2011, the Greater Hudson Heritage Network had provided a conservation grant for “The Madonna of the Meadow,” a 16th-century panel painting by the Venetian workshop of Giovanni Bellini. The museum has also improved cataloging, environmental monitoring, and collections storage in recent years.
The Yager Museum of Art & Culture is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. when the College is in session. Admission is free.