The Cone Sisters Collection

Lucky me!  I went to the Nasher musuem of Art at Duke University yesterday to see "Matisse and the Modern Masters".  Art has such transformative powers.  I use a lot of 'art' in the houses I stage. I am picky about the prints I use--they must have dimension and interest.  I also have a collection of original art from my home that I cycle through particular houses.  I made a gallery wall in my living room last year and am less reluctant to use any of them for staging now.

The crowd was well dispersed so I could get up close to each painting, sketch and sculpture.  I was positively giddy over being so close to fabulocity.  The brush strokes seemed alive and the colors magnified.


This pen and ink was one of my favorites.  The expression Matisse captures from her eyes was amazing.  (Hard to see it from the reproduction.)

The Cone sisters were interesting!  Their collection started in Matisse's early career--before the family became wealthy from Cone Mills. As their wealth grew, so did their collection over the span of their lifetimes.

They became close friends with Matisse.  Here are some of their acquisitions.

In addition to Matisse, there were Paul Gauguin paintings.

And, VanGogh

I have no doubts that if I had unlimited financial resources, art collecting would be at the top of the list.  Until my fortune arrives, I must be content with going to museums to see the originals.