The Dutch Painters at the Lightner Museum: A Celebration of Art and Collecting

By Claire Jane Kendrick

Nestled in the heart of St. Augustine, the Lightner Museum has long been a gem for art lovers and history buffs. With its elegant architecture and beautifully curated exhibitions, it never fails to inspire. But its current exhibition of
The Hague School: The Second Golden Age of Dutch Painting , 19th-century Dutch art transcends even its usual offerings. For me, stepping into this gallery felt like returning to my days exploring Europe—living in Belgium, traveling through Holland and France, and spending hours in museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

This exhibition isn’t just about the art; it’s about the collector behind it, Don Robbins. Don’s passion for 19th-century Dutch paintings is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Over decades, he has traveled to Holland more than 16 times, learning the language and navigating auction houses, galleries, and private collections to acquire a stunning body of work. During the pandemic, when the world slowed down, Don’s efforts didn’t waver. Rising at 6 a.m. to align with time zones, he continued his pursuit, a testament to his unrelenting dedication to the artists and their stories and learning the language.

For collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts, Don’s journey is a masterclass in devotion. His research goes far beyond surface-level appreciation. It’s about understanding the lives of the artists, their techniques, and the context of their works. During a VIP tour of the exhibition, Don shared his personal anecdotes about each piece—how he waited over 15 years to acquire a single work, seizing the opportunity when a collection became available after its previous owner passed away. These stories brought the art to life in ways I hadn’t anticipated, showcasing the highs and lows of collecting with raw authenticity.

The Lightner Museum’s ability to host such a remarkable collection speaks volumes about its standing in the art world and its commitment to enriching St. Augustine’s cultural landscape. For visitors, this is more than an exhibit—it’s a chance to witness the fruits of a collector’s tireless passion. It’s also a reminder of the importance of institutions like the Lightner, which champion not only the preservation of art but also the collectors who ensure these works endure.

As an artist, I found myself reflecting on the relationship between creators and collectors. Artists spend their lives producing work, but it is collectors like Don who ensure these pieces have a legacy. They preserve, research, and share our art, often going to extraordinary lengths. This dialogue between artist and collector is essential, and this exhibition is a shining example of that collaboration.

St. Augustine’s artist community has a unique role to play in celebrating exhibitions like this. It’s an opportunity to not only honor the artists of the past but also to connect with the collectors and institutions that champion art in all its forms. The Dutch Masters exhibition is a reminder of why we create, collect, and preserve art: to capture the beauty and complexity of life and to inspire future generations.

Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates art, the Lightner Museum should be on your must-visit list. Its ability to bring global art to St. Augustine, paired with the passion of collectors like Don, makes it a cultural beacon.

To Don Robbins and the Lightner Museum: thank you for this extraordinary exhibition. Your commitment to preserving and sharing art enriches not only our city but also the broader art world. This collaboration is a celebration of passion, patience, and the power of art to connect us all

https://lightnermuseum.org/exhibitions/hagueschool/

Art History, Fakes, and Fascinating Stories from the group!

In art history discussions, the topic of fakes and forgeries often adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Exploring the world of forgery, controversy, and the artists and collectors impacted by these stories provides a deeper understanding of the complexities in art. Below are some of the highlights from recent discussions, along with film and book recommendations to further dive into these compelling tales.

Film Recommendations

Don recommends:

The Art of the Steal

This documentary investigates the controversy surrounding the art collection of Dr. Albert C. Barnes. A visionary collector, Barnes curated a stunning array of works, which he intended to preserve as part of his foundation. However, disputes after his death resulted in the dispersion of the collection, raising questions about legacy, greed, and the art world’s power dynamics.

Claire Jane Kendrick recommends:

Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery

This fascinating film explores the life of Wolfgang Beltracchi, a master forger who deceived the art world for over 40 years. It sheds light on his techniques, the challenges of authenticity in art, and the broader implications of his forgeries.

Teri Tompkins recommends:

The Last Vermeer

A gripping story based on true events, this film delves into the life of Han van Meegeren, a notorious forger who created a “Vermeer” painting in 1942 that fooled the Nazis. Guy Pearce’s portrayal of the cunning artist is both entertaining and insightful.

Art History Highlights

Claire Jane Kendrick recommends, Prose -: W.H. Auden’s “Musée des Beaux Arts”

Auden’s poem captures the mundanity of human suffering, as illustrated in art like Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. The painting and poem together emphasize how extraordinary events often go unnoticed by those absorbed in their daily lives. While Bruegel’s original painting is lost, a copy from the 1560s provides a vivid depiction of this timeless theme.

Barbizon School of Painters:

This French art movement from 1830-1870 centered around the village of Barbizon near the Forest of Fontainebleau. Artists like Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau pioneered a focus on nature, using loose brushwork, tonal color palettes, and atmospheric effects to depict rural landscapes and village life. Their work stands as a precursor to Impressionism.

Books to Explore

Recommended by Teri Tompkins:

“The Last Vermeer” (Book and Film)

Delve deeper into the story of Han van Meegeren, the man behind some of the most famous forged Vermeers. Both the book and film shed light on the moral ambiguities and artistry involved in his notorious career.

Jena Dennis, art appraiser and auctioneer:

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining collectors’ privacy. She advises keeping detailed records for each artwork, including its creation date, sale date, and transaction details. However, she strongly cautions against publishing such information without a signed disclaimer from the collector, ensuring their confidentiality is respected.

Closing Notes

Art lovers and creators on this tour— creative minds like Don Robbins, Jena Dennis, Martha Ferguson, Teri Tompkins, Nancy Hamlin Vogler, Ginny Bullard, and Claire Jane Kendrick—remind us of the passion and intrigue that surrounds the world of art. Whether through uncovering forgeries, celebrating forgotten movements, or dissecting literary reflections on art, their insights enrich our journey through history and creativity.

Don Robbins taught Math and Statistics at Flagler College for twenty years and was on the board of the St. Augustine Art Association for eleven years. For the past twenty-four years, he’s been researching and collecting Hague School paintings. In 2023, he published The Second Golden Age of Dutch Painting: The Hague School in the Nineteenth Century with Goosepen Studio & Press

What are your favorite art history controversies or films? Share your thoughts below!