It opened in 1932 and a large part of the collection itself is made up of a series of bequests from art collector Samuel Courtauld. The collections range from the Renaissance to 20th century.

They have a famed collection of Rubens’ works which were a bequest of Count Antoine Seilern.

A large part of the museum’s collection is Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. You can see such world-famous paintings as Vincent Van Gogh’s “Self Portrait with a Bandaged Ear”, Renoir’s “La Loge”, and Manet’s “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère”.

There are works by Monet, Gauguin, Seurat, and Cézanne. Virtually every painter from this time period is represented in the collection.

Aside from paintings, the gallery also has a large collection of drawings and prints, although they are displayed somewhat less often due to their fragile nature.

The Courtauld is also home to a variety of sculptures from early times to modern. There is an entire room of Degas’ sculptural studies, and 20th century sculptures from Rodin, Matisse, Renoir, and Frank Dobson and also on display.

A highlight is a collection of Oceanic and African wood carvings donated by Roger Fry.

The Courtauld also houses an interesting collection of decorative furniture and ceramics, including enamelware and Venetian glass. One notable display is silverware from the 18th century made by goldsmiths of the Courtauld family, ancestors of collector Samuel Courtauld.

There is an admission fee for the gallery, but if you go on Mondays it is free.

It is a much smaller museum than some of the grand scale ones in London, but its contents are on a par with the very best. It seems to be somewhat less well-known than other galleries, and thus less crowded, affording you a chance to sit on a bench and enjoy the art without a crowd jostling you along your way.

The Courtauld Gallery is a wonderful place to see the best in Impressionist art.

Courtauld Institute Gallery

Address: Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Covent Garden, WC2R 0RN

Telephone: 020 7848 2526

Opening Times

10am-6pm | Last admission 5.30pm.

Pricing

£5 (Adult), £4 (Concessions), FREE (Under 18s) | Free Admission on Mondays from 10am-2pm (excluding Public Holidays).

Photo courtesy: gavnosis

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