Exploring the Huntington: Art Masterpieces and Hidden Gems

For generations, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens has been a jewel in the Los Angeles suburbs, renowned for its stunning collections. Originally established by wealthy founders Henry and Arabella Huntington, its art holdings offer a captivating journey through centuries of human creativity, constantly evolving with new additions.

A Legacy of Grandeur: The Huntington’s Artful Beginning

Opening its doors to the public in 1928, after the passing of its founders, the imposing Beaux-Arts mansion at the Huntington quickly became home to what was, for over 30 years, the finest art collection accessible to the suburban Los Angeles public. Railroad, shipbuilding, and real estate tycoon Henry E. Huntington and his wife, Arabella, invested lavishly in art for two decades, leveraging new income tax deductions for charities established in 1919. While L.A. has seen other major art museums blossom since the 1960s, the Huntington collection remains enormously impressive, continually growing with significant additions.

Today, the collection is anchored by European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with a particular strength in 18th-century British and French works. American art is also gaining considerable depth, and a 2021 acquisitions partnership with the Ahmanson Foundation has brought major pieces, including exceptional paintings by Francisco Goya and Thomas Cole, ensuring its relevance for contemporary audiences.

Unveiling Stories: Essential Works to Discover

The Huntington’s diverse collection spans different eras and styles, each piece telling a unique story. From the mansion’s two floors (M1, M2) to the Virginia Scott Steele Galleries for American Art (S), here are a few highlights:

European Elegance and Intrigue

• Rogier van der Weyden, “Virgin and Child” (Circa 1460, M2): A poignant work from one of the most popular Flemish artists of the Renaissance, this is the only Van der Weyden painting on the West Coast, acquired by Henry in commemoration of his late wife, Belle.
• Domenico Ghirlandaio, “Portrait of a Young Woman” & “Portrait of a Young Man” (Circa 1490, M2): These companion pieces offer a fascinating glimpse into Renaissance society. The woman’s profile pose links her to classical antiquity and nobility, while the man’s three-quarter view emphasizes his active engagement with the viewer, subtly affirming the patriarchal norms of the time.
• Anthony van Dyck, “Anne Kirke” (1637, M1): As King Charles I’s “Principalle Paynter,” Van Dyck captured Anne Kirke, dresser to the Queen, in luxurious satin with symbols of wealth and fidelity, reflecting Britain’s theatrical artistic tradition.
• Thomas Gainsborough, “The Blue Boy” (1770, M1): Far from disappointing, this iconic portrait, especially after its extensive conservation in 2018-2019, continues to dazzle. Its vivid paint-handling and theatrical portrayal of a young man in 17th-century attire illustrate painting as performance. Henry and Belle’s 1921 purchase made it the most expensive painting of its time, a true bargain by today’s standards.
• Jean-Antoine Houdon, “Diana” (1782, M2): This six-foot-tall bronze sculpture of the Roman goddess of the hunt is a marvel of engineering. Despite its 747-pound weight, Diana appears practically airborne, delicately balanced on tippy-toes, a testament to Houdon’s skill in creating stunning illusion.

American Visions and Modern Statements

• After Charles Willson Peale, “George Washington” (After 1779, S): One of nine Washington artworks, this full-length portrait, a copy of Peale’s popular depiction, highlights Henry Huntington’s admiration for the founding father, seen as a pivot between Britain and the U.S.
• Harriet Goodhue Hosmer, “Zenobia in Chains” (1859, S): This pristine marble sculpture of the Syrian queen Zenobia, carved during the lead-up to the American Civil War, visually communicates enduring strength and defiance in captivity, taking on powerful resonance for its American audience.
• Tyrus Wong, “Dragon’s Den Mural” (Circa 1935, S): A multi-talented artist, Wong’s vibrant two-panel mural depicts energetic monkeys, inspired by classical Song Dynasty painting. Created for his family’s popular restaurant in L.A.’s Old Chinatown, it reflects Wong’s significant contributions across various artistic mediums despite facing racial discrimination.
• Andy Warhol, “Brillo Box” (1964, S): More than just a replica, Warhol’s “Brillo Box” is a commentary on art culture, challenging the dominance of Abstract Expressionism. Made of plywood rather than cardboard, it subtly critiques notions of anti-illusionistic flatness in painting, with a witty, autobiographical nod to Warhol’s Pittsburgh roots.

A Closer Look: Art & Cultural Significance

Beyond the Galleries: Art in Nature

While celebrated for its art, the Huntington is equally famous for its magnificent and diverse botanical gardens. The classical Chinese scholar’s garden, Liu Fang Yuan, or “The Garden of Flowing Fragrance” (2008 – present), is a 15-acre example of land art. Based on Ming Dynasty gardens, it’s an exquisitely crafted microcosm of the natural world, complete with plants, rocks, and pavilions—a traditional Chinese landscape painting you can actually walk into and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Huntington’s Art

• When did the Huntington Art Museum first open to the public?
  The Beaux-Arts mansion, which houses much of the collection, first opened in 1928, following the deaths of founders Henry and Arabella Huntington.
• What kind of art is the Huntington most known for?
  Its core strength lies in European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, particularly from 18th-century Britain and France, alongside a significantly growing American art collection.
• Are there any contemporary artworks at the Huntington?
  Yes, while primarily historic, the collection includes later works such as Andy Warhol’s “Brillo Box” and is continuously adding new pieces through strategic acquisitions.
• Is “The Blue Boy” a must-see?
  Absolutely. Following extensive conservation, Thomas Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” is more visually stunning than ever, showcasing exceptional brushwork and a compelling historical narrative.
• Does the Huntington offer more than just art?
  Indeed. Beyond its art galleries, the Huntington is world-renowned for its vast and diverse botanical gardens, including the expansive classical Chinese garden, Liu Fang Yuan.

Whether you’re drawn to grand European portraits, intricate American landscapes, or the thoughtful interplay of art and nature, the Huntington’s art collection offers a rich tapestry of stories and artistic brilliance, promising new discoveries with every visit to this cherished L.A. institution.

Huntington Art Collection Los Angeles Legacy