Collection of Bernhard Berenson Materials

Collection

Identifier: BERENSON-1

Staff Only

Dates

1897 - 1938

Creator

Berenson, Bernard, 1865-1959 (Creator, Person)

Language of Materials

English.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Materials to be used on site during regular Special Collections hours or by appointment. Photocopying or scanning may be possible at discretion of staff for nominal fee. Materials may be protected by copyright.

Biographical / Historical

Bernhard Berenson (June 26, 1865 – October 6, 1959) was an American art historian specializing in the Renaissance. He was a major figure in pioneering art attribution and therefore establishing the market for paintings by the "Old Masters." Born Bernhard Valvrojenski in Lithuania, his family emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1875, whereupon the family name was changed to "Berenson." He attended the Boston University College of Liberal Arts and Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard and married Mary Smith, who became a notable art historian in her own right. Among US collectors of the early 1900s, Berenson was regarded as the pre-eminent authority on Renaissance art. His verdict of authenticity increased a painting's value. While his approach remained controversial among European art historians, he played a pivotal role as an advisor to several important American art collectors. As Renaissance scholarship has evolved, a number of Berenson's attributions are now believed to be incorrect. Berenson died at age 94 in Settignano, Italy.