Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Krannert Art Museum [PAGE 12]

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nese art. Its importance lies particularly in the number and variety of uniquely beautiful objects from the Netherlands East Indies. During several long periods of residence on the island of Bali, Mr, and Mrs. Ewing, through friendship with ruling Balinese families, were able to make notable additions to their holdings. The collection therefore is of unusual aesthetic and ethnographical interest. The most notable single addition to our collections in recent years is the generous gift by Mrs. Herman C. Krannert of the painting Christ after the Flagellation by Murillo. This great seventeenth-century work of impressive dignity represents the artist at the height of his powers and is equalled by few other paintings by him in this country. The inclusion of this major work by Murillo in our resources establishes an important source of study for all who are involved in the history of Spanish painting, and its deeply emotional content cannot fail to affect any visitor to the gallery. This inaugural exhibition contains only a few of the many works of art which have been presented to the University over the years, but all of the collections will be shown from time to time. With this development we have been mindful of our responsibilities as a state institution, and have made many loans of paintings and sculpture to other schools, museums, art associations and traveling exhibitions. As many as forty paintings at one time have been shown in twenty-three cities in fourteen

different states, and other works have been on display in museums in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and England. In fact, until the completion of the Krannert Art Museum, our pictures were seen far more frequently in other places than they were at home. As the result of many contributions to the University of Illinois Foundation for a museum fund, as well as the gift made by Mrs. Merle J. Trees, that by the Class of 1908, and the magnificent gift by Mr. Herman C. Krannert, our long-standing need for a permanent home for our collections has been realized. It is with the most sincere thanks that we recognize the interest and encouragement of those who have made this important educational facility a reality. We are now most fortunate in having the Krannert Art Museum perfectly related to the Fine Arts classroom building, where the impact and influence of its collections and exhibitions will best serve the needs of present and coming generations of students. Its potential of service and the promise of its future cannot be measured. It is with the deepest gratitude that the University of Illinois and The College of Fine and Applied Arts welcomes this magnificent gift of understanding and generous friends.

CECIL

V. DONOVAN, Director Krannert Art Museum