Existing comment:
Recent Acquisitions
When the National Portrait Gallery opened to the public in 1968, six years after it was established by Congress, it had fewer than 500 objects in its permanent collection. Today its collection contains more than 25,000 works of art.
Each portrait that becomes part of the Portrait Gallery's permanent collection is approved by its Commission, which meets twice yearly. Of paramount concern is the sitter's impact on American history. The Commissioners then address issues such as the quality of the object or the significance of the image as it relates to the subject's biography. In addition to paintings and sculpture, the museum collects photographs, prints, drawings, and, most recently, time-based media.
Throughout its history, the National Portrait Gallery has depended on the generosity of donors to enhance its collection. In this selection, many memorable portraits are from gracious benefactors. |