National Gallery of Art Acquires Works by Lam, Quarles, and Others, Expanding Collection
The Facts
The National Gallery of Art announced on August 19, 2026, the acquisition of significant works by Wifredo Lam, Christina Quarles, Ben Shahn, Marie Bracquemond, and others, marking the first time several artists enter the nation's collection. The acquisitions include a 1944 oil painting by Lam, a painting by Quarles that survived the 2025 Eaton Fire, a 17th-century crucifix by María Josefa Sánchez, and a suite of woodblock prints by T.C. Cannon. Other additions include a bronze sculpture by Fritz Scholder and works by LaToya Hobbs, Stacey Kranitz, and Lorraine O'Grady. The works span over five centuries and represent various artistic movements and materials.
The Signal
The acquisitions reflect the National Gallery's strategy to broaden its collection both historically and in terms of diversity, introducing lesser-known artists alongside established names. For collectors and curators, the inclusion of works by artists like Bracquemond and O'Grady signals an institutional commitment to expanding the canon beyond traditional narratives. The survival of Quarles's painting from a wildfire adds a poignant layer to the acquisition, highlighting the fragility of artistic production.
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- Artists: Wifredo Lam, Christina Quarles, Ben Shahn, Marie Bracquemond, T.C. Cannon, María Josefa Sánchez, LaToya Hobbs, Stacey Kranitz, Lorraine O'Grady, Fritz Scholder
- People: Kaywin Feldman
- Museums: National Gallery of Art
- Locations: Washington, DC
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