“The National Gallery—your National Gallery—symbolizes the American commitment to art. And what is art, after all, but a glowing summation of the human spirit? It lights our past. It will light our future.”
The National Gallery’s second director, John Walker, wrote these words in 1967, a year that witnessed several exceptional gifts that dramatically demonstrated this American commitment to art. In 1967, 30 years after their father’s extraordinary gift to the nation established the National Gallery of Art, Ailsa Mellon Bruce and Paul Mellon donated funds for a future building. The East Building would enhance the National Gallery’s ability to share our holdings with the public. Also in 1967, Ailsa Mellon Bruce purchased Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci for the National Gallery. This unparalleled acquisition brought one of the few surviving paintings by the Italian master to the nation’s capital. Today, it remains the only Leonardo painting in the western hemisphere.
Walker’s statement captured a truth at the center of our remarkable institution: the art that we hold in trust for the American people is a record of human creativity, a window into the past, and a vision for a more vibrant future. The buildings that house these precious works contain our shared histories as well, creating a space that brings people together, a place where ideas thrive.
Today, the generous spirit of the Mellons is alive and well, continuing to inspire new generations of donors. Joining Leonardo’s Ginevra de’ Benci this year is a drawing by the Italian master given to the nation by Dian Woodner. Smaller than a deck of cards, Grotesque Head of an Old Woman is a remarkable work with a powerful presence that belies its size. It is just one example among many superlative gifts given to the nation this year. Director Kaywin Feldman features this drawing and other notable acquisitions in the director’s highlights section of this report. And the gifts and donors section lists the individuals and entities who support our mission with their generous contributions. As the sole source of works of art that enter our permanent collection, private giving—through funds to purchase art and through direct donation of works—has been at the heart of the National Gallery since our founding.
The gifts of private individuals, foundations, and corporations, coupled with crucial support from the federal government, sustain our national art museum for future generations. This represents the best of American generosity: we are all part of this vision to create a museum of the nation and for all the people. The National Gallery’s public-private partnership, nearing its ninth decade, is the lifeblood of our institution. The trustees join me in expressing deep appreciation to the president and Congress as well as to all the private funders. Their enduring commitment and support help us to fulfill our mission of serving the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.
As we reflect on the year, we do so with gratitude for those who make our work possible and with a renewed sense of purpose in advancing our mission. Thank you for believing in the power of art, for supporting our vision, and for being our partners in this vital work. Together, we will continue to build a museum that belongs to everyone—a place to celebrate and cherish the cultural treasures that are the inheritance of all Americans.
Mitchell P. Rales
President