An exhibit of early 19th and 20th century artist materials from the collection of Robert Baart.

Main Library, First Floor, Lobby and Emery Cases – April 15-May 29, 2014

About Robert and the collection:

I’m an artist and taught painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for decades. My interest in collecting antique artists’ materials is directly connected with my course on painting materials and techniques. The class included instruction in oil, fresco, and egg tempera painting as well as gilding. Centuries ago artists’ colourmen provided the pigments, brushes, palettes, and tools we find at local art stores today.

By visiting antique shops, flea markets, and yard sales I have been able to find some wonderful treasures. Most of the watercolor and oil painting boxes are English, some American, but many of these unique items have unknown origins.