The National Gallery of Art Bolsters Its Collection with Hundreds of New Acquisitions, Introducing Rare Dutch Masterpiece and Diverse Contemporary Voices
Washington, D.C. – March 19, 2026 – In a sweeping announcement that underscores its commitment to enriching the nation’s artistic heritage, the National Gallery of Art has unveiled a major round of recent acquisitions, adding nearly 600 works to its permanent collection. Spanning centuries and mediums—from 17th-century Dutch miniatures to groundbreaking contemporary installations—these additions, primarily acquired during the second half of 2025, reflect the museum’s strategic focus on filling historical gaps, embracing diverse perspectives, and preserving pivotal moments in art history.
The announcement, released on March 18, highlights the breadth of the new holdings, which include first-time representations of several artists in the Gallery’s collection. Among the standout acquisitions is The Artist as Lover (c. 1660s), a delicate oil on copper by Dutch painter Ary de Vois (also known as Arie de Vois), a celebrated figure of the Leiden school renowned for his meticulous “fine painting” technique. Measuring just 6 11/16 by 5 1/4 inches, this intimate self-portrait depicts the artist in a romantic guise, possibly once paired as a pendant with a now-lost image of his wife. Scholars note its enamel-like finish, invisible brushwork, and sharp attention to detail—hallmarks of de Vois’s elegant style. Acquired through the Nell and Robert Weidenhammer Fund, the work joins only a handful of self-portraits in the Gallery’s Dutch holdings, alongside icons by Rembrandt and Judith Leyster.
“This acquisition brings a rare and exquisite example of 17th-century Dutch miniature painting into our collection,” said a National Gallery spokesperson in the official release. “It not only introduces Ary de Vois to our visitors but also deepens our representation of the intimate, personal side of Golden Age portraiture.”
The new acquisitions extend far beyond European Old Masters. The museum has bolstered its photography holdings with a significant trove of 35 Civil War-era images by pioneering photographers Alexander Gardner, George N. Barnard, and Andrew Joseph Russell—vital documents of American history that capture the conflict’s landscapes, soldiers, and aftermath. Contemporary additions include large-scale works by artists such as Teresita Fernández, Pepón Osorio, and Salman Toor, whose painting marks his debut in the collection. Other highlights feature pieces by Dan Flavin, Barbara Kruger, and Claire Fontaine, signaling the Gallery’s ongoing investment in modern and postmodern art.
These acquisitions arrive at a pivotal time for the institution, which is preparing to spotlight its expanded American art galleries in spring 2026 as part of the America 250 initiative commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. By weaving together historical depth and contemporary relevance, the National Gallery continues to position itself as a dynamic steward of global art for future generations.
The newly acquired works, including de Vois’s The Artist as Lover, are expected to enter public view in the coming months following conservation and installation. Visitors to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., can stay updated via the museum’s website for exhibition details and further announcements.
For more information, visit nga.gov.
