Bernard Berenson

Bernard Berenson: Connoisseur, Critic, and Scholar of the Renaissance

Early Life and Education (1865-1887):

• Born Bernard Valvrojenski in 1865 (changed to Berenson later) in Lithuania (then part of the Russian Empire) [Wikipedia, Harvard University]
• Immigrated to the United States with his family in 1875, settling in Boston [Harvard University]
• Graduated from Boston Latin School and briefly attended Boston University [Wikipedia]
• Transferred to Harvard University in 1884, studying literature and languages (including Hebrew, Sanskrit, Arabic, Latin, and Greek) [Wikipedia, Harvard University]
• Befriended Edward Perry Warren at Harvard, sharing a passion for the Classics [Harvard University]

Shaping as an Art Historian (1887-1900s):

• After graduating Harvard in 1887, traveled to Europe to immerse himself in art history [Wikipedia]
• Developed a keen eye for detail and a strong memory for artistic styles [Britannica]
• Began publishing art criticism, showcasing his insightful and concise writing style (e.g., The Venetian Painters of the Renaissance, 1894) [Britannica]
• Gained recognition as a leading authority on Italian Renaissance art, particularly paintings and drawings [Wikipedia, Britannica]
• Established himself in Italy, living most of his life there [Wikipedia]
• Married Mary Smith, who became a notable art historian in her own right (though some credit her for contributions to Berenson's work) [Wikipedia]

The Power of a Connoisseur (1900s-1940s):

• Became a highly influential figure in the art world, especially for American collectors [Britannica]
• His expertise in attribution (identifying the artist of a work) was highly respected, with many masterpieces now in American museums bought on his recommendation [Britannica, Harvard University]
• Published several influential books, including The Drawings of the Florentine Painters (1903) and Italian Painters of the Renaissance (1952) [Wikipedia]
• Maintained a long relationship with art collector Belle da Costa Greene, adding a layer of complexity to his personal life [Wikipedia]

Later Life and Legacy (1940s-1959):

• Faced challenges during World War II due to his Jewish heritage, but continued his work [Wikipedia]
• Published a diary, Rumour and Reflection, 1941–1944, reflecting on his wartime experiences [Wikipedia]
• Bequeathed his villa, I Tatti, with its art collection and library to Harvard University, creating a center for Italian Renaissance studies [Harvard University]
• Died in Italy in 1959, leaving behind a complex and impactful legacy [Wikipedia]

Controversies:

• Berenson's authentication of artworks has been questioned in some cases, raising debates about subjectivity and potential errors in attribution [Wikipedia]
• His personal life, including his relationship with Greene, has also been a subject of discussion [Wikipedia]

Overall, Bernard Berenson remains a significant figure in the history of art history. His discerning eye, critical writing, and influence on American art collecting shaped the landscape of Renaissance art appreciation in the 20th century.