1205F Spring 2025 The Back Story of the National Gallery of Art

1205F  The Back Story of the National Gallery of Art
One session
Instructor: Tom Manteuffel
Friday, 11:00—12:25, May 23
Location: The Providence, 9490 Sprague Avenue, Fairfax, 22031    
The creation of the National Gallery of Art is a riveting story that involves above all, Andrew Mellon but also FDR, Joseph Stalin, the art dealer Sir Joseph Duveen, connoisseur Bernard Berenson, and a host of others. Fascinating stories abound, and they are rarely told, but too good to go unknown to the casual visitor to one of America’s largest and greatest museums. This well-illustrated talk will enrich your enjoyment of this local and national treasure.
Tom Manteuffel has taught a variety of classes at OLLI, including on Renaissance Art, French Impressionism, cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity, Stonehenge, Henry IV Part I, and the history of English. He is a retired cybersecurity consultant with a passion for museums.