Ellen Sheppard

Review of The Frick Collection

I'm not sure I can put into words how impressive t...

I'm not sure I can put into words how impressive this collection is. Numerous times during my too-brief two hour visit I was actually moved to tears by the grandeur and scope of this collection, by the extraordinary setting and how well integrated all aspects of the furnishings are. The practical stuff: The docents are knowledgeable and genuinely in awe of the collection. The audioguides actually work well and the commentators provide a wealth of wonderful information. (This is too rarely the case in even the best galleries in Paris, London, Madrid, Moscow, and, yes, NYC. All museums should contract with this vendor!) The films are fine, though I would have preferred an introductory film at start of the collection. But the element of surprise is also nice. I knew very little about the Frick collection, and one of the first paintings you see, almost casually hung in an entryway is by an Italian master ...a name any first year art student knows. Wham. That gets your attention! And it just keeps getting better. The collection does not purport to cover "modern art" so the Degas, Monet, and Manet were a surprise. But the El Grecos, Tintorettos, Titians, Rembrandts, etc., are as rich an immersion into the masters as can be imagined in one small collection. Add to that Turner, Whistler, Sullivan, etc., and you see how staggering this "one man's collection" is. Though my primary interest is paintings, the commentary provided by the audioguide heightened my appreciation for each room's furnishings, wall coverings, carpets, and architectural design features. What a perfect demonstration of how all elements can harmonize to create a magical synergy. I can't wait to return on my next visit to NYC. And I'll double my allotted time!