Treasures of the Swope
Garden in Giverny, c 1901
Mary Fairchild MacMonnies (New Haven, Connecticut 1858 – Bronxville, New York 1946)
oil on linen, 29 in x 55 in
museum purchase, 1999.40
Garden in Giverny is “one of the great paintings created in that most famous of all Impressionist art colonies”according to noted American art historian, Dr. William H. Gerdts. It is one of the paintings featured in the current exhibit, Renoir and the Hoosier Impressionists, now on view in the redone first floor gallery of the Swope.
The painting is by Mary Fairchild MacMonnies, one of the most important woman artists of her day. Along with her husband, noted sculptor Frederick MacMonnies, she began frequenting Giverny around 1888. Later they purchased an estate next to Claude Monet, who had made Giverny famous.
Garden in Giverny is one of several seasonal paintings MacMonnies did in her garden. The time is an autumn sunrise in all its luminosity.
At the Swope, she is best known for Five O’Clock Tea, the large Impressionist work that anchors the west end of the Zaun Gallery on the first floor. Her paintings are also in the National Academy in New York City and Musee Vernon in France.
This work of art was featured in Terre Haute Living January/February 2022.
Happening Now at the Swope:
Renoir and the Hoosier Impressionists
December 3 – May 29
This exhibition features “Fleurs dans un vase jaune” by artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir and highlights some of our best works by impressionist artists who painted right here in Indiana. Many of the works of art in this exhibition are from the permanent collection, but haven’t been on public display in recent memory… you’re sure to see something new to you. This exhibition shows off the newly renovated first floor gallery in stunning fashion! Come experience “Renoir and the Hoosier Impressionists” with us.
77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition
November 5 – January 9
Celebrating artists from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. Works were selected by juror Drék Davis. Click here for more info about the history of this annual juried exhibition and about our juror. Join us Friday, November 5th for first friday and the Wabash Valley Exhibition opening reception and awards ceremony. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Gingersnaps Coffee House & Cafe and a cash bar from Verve Cocktail Lounge on the third floor. Stick around for the awards ceremony to hear a word from juror Drék Davis about the 77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition and the outstanding works included. This exhibition is sponsored by First Financial Bank.