New York’s Metropolitan Museum honors Boston with loan of paintings

The MFA’s Free Memorial Day Community Weekend marks the debut of three paintings lent by The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Northeaster (1895) by Winslow Homer; Lachrymae (Tears, about 1894–95; completed by 1901) by Frederic, Lord Leighton; and The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil (1874) by Edouard Manet.

Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director, said, “I am deeply moved by the gesture of Metropolitan Museum of Art Director and CEO Thomas Campbell, who is lending three paintings to the MFA in tribute to the people of Boston. We hope that the presentation of these beautiful works from the Met will inspire joy and offer a chance for contemplation.”

Within hours of the Boston Marathon attack, Campbell reached out to Rogers, offering support and suggesting that the Metropolitan lend works of art to the MFA. Paintings were chosen by Campbell and Metropolitan curators. “The Met wanted to show support for its sister institution during this challenging moment for the people of Boston,” Campbell said. “Great museums are places of solace and inspiration, particularly when tragedy strikes a community. I hope the works of art we have lent will help the city’s recovery in some small way.” The works reflect the range of sentiments experienced by Bostonians in recent weeks—from the turmoil brought on by the raging storm of events that began on April 15, to the sorrow felt by residents, to the promise of joy and better days to come. Messages to Boston from Thomas Campbell and Rogers accompany the paintings. The gallery also features works by Winslow Homer, including the MFA’s beloved paintings, Boys in a Pasture (1874) and The Fog Warning (1885), as well as works by Thomas Eakins.

Edouard Manet, The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil (detail), 1874. Oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Joan Whitney Payson, 1975 (1976.201.14). Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art.