Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection

Spanning the dynamic artistic landscape of 19th-century Europe, these works trace a period marked by dramatic cultural, social, and aesthetic transformation. Drawn entirely from the acclaimed Smith-Naifeh Collection—assembled over decades by South Carolina-based collectors and scholars Gregory Smith and Stephen Naifeh—this exhibition highlights the extraordinary range of innovation and expression that shaped European art during this pivotal century. Many of the artists represented were not only leaders of their time but also influenced or worked alongside artists such as Vincent van Gogh (about whom Smith and Naifeh wrote a critically acclaimed biography), leaving an enduring impact on the trajectory of modern art.

Organized thematically, the exhibition unfolds across three distinct sections:

Renaissance showcases artists who looked to classical antiquity and Renaissance ideals, emphasizing harmony, nature, and rigorous academic training, to craft works that aligned with the standards of prestigious European salons.

Romanticism explores the emotional depth and imaginative power of the era, with works designed to stir awe, empathy, and introspection through dramatic narratives and evocative landscapes.

Rebellion celebrates the avant-garde spirit of artists who challenged academic norms, embracing bold subjects and experimental techniques in brushwork and color that signaled the birth of modernism.

The exhibition is curated by Todd Herman, PhD, President and CEO of The Mint Museum, and Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, Senior Curator of American Art.

About the collectors:

This is the most comprehensive public presentation of the Smith-Naifeh Collection to date. Steve Naifeh built the Smith-Naifeh Collection with his late partner, Gregory White Smith. Their shared love of art intertwined with their celebrated careers as writers. Naifeh is the author of more than 15 books, including “The Mormon Murders,” “Final Justice,” “Making Miracles Happen,” and “On a Street Called Easy, In a Cottage Called Joye,” as well as two landmark biographies: “Jackson Pollock, An American Saga” and “Van Gogh: The Life.” His work has earned numerous accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, and multiple appearances on The New York Times Bestseller list.