This exceptional Pennsylvania landscape by American artist Thomas Moran (1837–1926) was recently acquired by the Gallery and is on public view for the first time. Produced before the artist traveled to the American West in 1871, the painting has remained in private hands since its completion in 1864. (Image: The Juniata, Evening, detail, 1864, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Gift of Max and Heidi Berry and Ann and Mark Kington/The Kington Foundation)

 

American Collection, Gallery 64

West Building

 

David Bindman, one of the general editors of The Image of the Black in Western Art series, and other panelists review the complex history of the volumes (the first four books in the series are now available). Artist Lou Stovall and Gallery curators Ruth Fine and Alison Luchs discuss relevant works in the Gallery's collection. (50 mins.)

 

December 12, 2:00

East Building Auditorium

 

Explore paintings in the Gallery's collection that contain holiday themes telling the Christian story of the birth of Jesus, or learn about the hidden symbolism in the recent Gallery acquisition Wind from the Sea (1947) by celebrated American artist Andrew Wyeth. (Image: Giorgione, The Adoration of the Shepherds, detail, 1505/1510, oil on panel, National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress Collection)

 

The Christmas Story in Art: December 1, 8, 15, 19, 23; 11:00

(60 mins.)

Wind from the Sea: December 2, 6, 7, 9, 10; 11:00 (30 mins.)

Meet at West Building Rotunda

 

Crafting a motion picture's production design is a complex process that requires not only imagination and technical expertise, but also an ability to translate a screenplay into images. Production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein—the first woman to win an Academy Award for design (on Amadeus)—discusses her methods through clips from four of her films. (Image: Still from Amadeus, 1984, Milos Forman, Orion Pictures/Photofest)

 

December 5, 2:00

East Building Auditorium

 

The Poulenc Trio performs music by Jewish composers in honor of Hanukkah on December 5; Ensemble Galilei and Gallery music director Stephen Ackert celebrate 10 Gallery paintings featured on U.S. postage stamps on December 12; the National Gallery of Art Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Players perform music for the season by Bach on December 19; and choirs lead public caroling in the festively decorated West Building Rotunda on December 11, 12, 18, and 19. (Image: DC Boys Choir performing in 2006)

 

December 5, 11, 12, 18, 19

See individual dates for times and locations

 

Film Program for Children and Teens (ages 4 and up)

Bagpuss, a sleepy and much loved pink-and-white striped cloth cat, is the title character of one of the most popular children's television programs ever broadcast in the United Kingdom. Using stop-frame puppet animation, these short tales of discovery, friendship, and learning gently introduce the very young to concepts of cooperation, communication, trust, and the importance of imaginative play. (Image: Still from Bagpuss, 1974, Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, United Kingdom; 50 mins.)

 

December 4, 10:30; December 5, 11:30

East Building Auditorium

 

The 2010 holiday ornament is inspired by First Knot (c. 1490/1500), an Italian engraving after Leonardo da Vinci in the Gallery's collection. The five-part design, which may have been the basis for a series of complex arabesque knots designed by Leonardo, is re-created in 24-karat gold electroplate. The ornament is available in the Holiday Shop, along with an array of holiday cards, books, wrapping paper, and more.

 

West Building, Ground Floor

 

During the month of December, warm up with such seasonal favorites as hot cocoa or indulge your sweet tooth with festive gelato and sorbetto flavors, including apple cider, pumpkin, caramel apple, and peppermint candy cane.

 

Monday–Saturday, 10:00–4:30; Sunday, 11:00–5:30

East Building Concourse

 

Skating lessons for all ages and experience levels are offered at the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink through the U.S. Figure Skating/Skate with U.S. Program. New this year are Snowplow Sam: Mom/Dad & Me (lessons for children, aged 2 and up, with the help of a parent); an adult dance class; Ice Theatre; and hockey classes for children and adults. Private lessons are also available by appointment.

 

Rink hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00–9:00; Friday and Saturday, 10:00–11:00; Sunday, 11:00–9:00

Weather permitting

9th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

 

The advent of modernism a century ago is explored through 20 important paintings, sculptures, and drawings by the first-generation American avant-garde. Among the artists represented are Stuart Davis, Charles Demuth, Arthur Dove, Marcel Duchamp, Marsden Hartley, Georgia O'Keeffe, Man Ray, and Charles Sheeler. All works are from the Edward and Deborah Shein Collection, which is distinguished by its remarkable quality and rigorous focus on early American modernism.

 

Closes January 2

East Building

 

This stunning exhibition of 120 German drawings showcases major works passionately assembled by Wolfgang Ratjen (1943–1997) over three decades. The drawings—rare, evocative, and influential examples of German works on paper—encompass 16th-century mannerism, 17th-century baroque, 18th-century rococo, early 19th-century romanticism, and late 19th-century realism.

 

Closes January 2

West Building

 

Oil on panel

National Gallery of Art

The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund, in honor of Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr.

This beautifully executed and topographically accurate painting by Adam van Breen (c. 1585–1640) is the earliest Dutch 17th–century painting in the Gallery's collection. Van Breen depicted young and old enjoying a bright wintery day, capturing their excitement when the ice was finally strong enough to welcome skaters. The view is along the river Amstel, just south of Amsterdam, and the church spires punctuating the city's profile include the Zuiderkerk, a newly constructed Protestant church depicted here for the first time.

 

Dutch Cabinet Galleries, 50A

West Building