George Barnard Paintings

George Grey Barnard, often known as G. Bernard without 'Grey', was an American sculptor who was born on May 24, 1807, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and died on April 24, 1890. He is often confused with George Grey Barnard, another American sculptor, who lived from 1863 to 1938. The George Barnard you are referring to is known for his work as a pioneering art collector and dealer rather than as an artist himself.

The George Barnard referred to in your query was not primarily known as an artist but was a significant figure in nineteenth-century art circles, especially known for his collection of medieval art. He was recognized for his efforts in bringing to the public's attention the importance of Gothic art at a time when it was not widely appreciated in the United States. His dedication to collecting and promoting medieval art led to the establishment of what would become the core collection of The Cloisters in New York City, which is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Although George Barnard's main contribution to the art world was as a collector and not as an artist, his impact was significant. He traveled extensively in Europe, where he acquired a large collection of medieval sculptures, architectural fragments, and decorative arts. He was particularly interested in French and Spanish Romanesque and Gothic pieces. His collection was initially displayed in his own gallery in New York, known as the Barnard Castle, which became a source of inspiration for American architects, artists, and collectors interested in the Gothic style.

Barnard's legacy as a collector was cemented when most of his collection was acquired by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who donated it to The Cloisters museum. The Cloisters, which opened to the public in 1938, was designed to house Barnard's collection and other medieval art pieces, and it remains a premier destination for those interested in the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

It is important to note that the biographical details provided here are about the collector George Barnard and not the sculptor George Grey Barnard, whose life spanned from 1863 to 1938. The latter was an important American sculptor known for his public monuments and allegorical works, and his style was characterized by a dynamic expressiveness that was influenced by Rodin.