Dec

Today in Smithsonian History: December 5, 1961

The interior of the Barney Studio House, as featured in the Torch, November 1979.

December 5, 1961 Secretary Leonard Carmichael announces the gift of the Barney Studio House (2306 Massachusetts Avenue at Sheridan Circle in Washington, D.C.), to be administered by the National Museum of American Art, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The Barney Studio House is an art center with a unique setting created by artist Alice Pike Barney. Shown here is the West Studio with musicians’ balcony, built primarily for architectural interest rather than use, and the neo-Gothic original furnishings. Among the special features are “Self Portrait in Painting Robe,” a circa 1894 oil on canvas by Alice Pike Barney; Mercer floor tiles; and over the fireplace, a 19th century altarpiece depicting Christ in Gloria in rondo surrounded by decorative motifs, including acanthus leaves. Laura and Natalie Barney, daughters of Alice Pike Barney, donated Studio House in 1961 to the Smithsonian Institution.

Self Portrait in Painting Robe, Alice Pike Barney (1857 – 1931). Smithsonian American Art Museum
Gift of Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney in memory of their mother, Alice Pike Barney, 1951

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives