150 Years: A Collection Begins

Washington and Lee University Academics Libraries and Museums Art Museum Exhibitions Current Exhibits 150 Years: A Collection Begins
Art Museum

Portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, 1829–1830. Chester Harding (b. 1792, Conway, MA; d. 1866, Boston, MA). Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Newton Mercer. Art Museum at Washington and Lee, U1875.1.2.

On View: September 2, 2026 – May 29, 2027
Location: University Library
Save the Date: 150th Anniversary Lecture and Reception on Thursday October 15, 2026, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Image (left): Portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, detail, 1829–1830. Chester Harding. Art Museum at W&L, U1875.1.2.

In 1875, Washington and Lee University received its first gift of art through the bequest of Dr. William Newton Mercer (1790–1874), alongside a collection of one thousand books for its library. This collection included five portraits of key American figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Chief Justice John Marshall. Mercer’s own portrait as benefactor was included in the bequest. The paintings were displayed together in the University Chapel. This marks the beginning of the art collection at W&L. Since then, the art collection has grown from six paintings to over 15,000 objects due to generous gifts from donors, purchases, and artists-in-residence programs. 

150 Years: A Collection Begins is presented in partnership with the University Library and is the first in a series of exhibitions marking the 150th anniversary of the art collection by the Art Museum at W&L.

Portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, 1829–1830. Chester Harding (1792-1866). Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Newton Mercer. Art Museum at Washington and Lee, U1875.1.2.
Portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, 1829–1830. Chester Harding (1792-1866). Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Newton Mercer. Art Museum at Washington and Lee, U1875.1.2.
Portrait of Dr. William Newton Mercer, 1870. Francisco Bernard (1812-1875). Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Mercer, Art Museum at Washington and Lee University, U1875.1.6
Portrait of Dr. William Newton Mercer, 1870. Francisco Bernard (1812-1875). Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Mercer, Art Museum at Washington and Lee University, U1875.1.6.
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, 1860. George P.A. Healy (1813-1894), after Gilbert Stuart. Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Mercer, Art Museum at Washington and Lee University, U1875.1.4
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, 1860. George P.A. Healy (1813-1894), after Gilbert Stuart. Oil on canvas. Bequest of Dr. William Mercer, Art Museum at Washington and Lee University, U1875.1.4.

Events and Programming

Dr. Janine Boldt, Curator of American Art at the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State University

150th Anniversary Lecture and Reception

Thursday, October 15, 2026, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Lecture: 5:30 – 6:30 PM, Northen Auditorium
Reception: 6:30 – 7:00 PM, University Library Atrium

Join us for a chance to discover the collection that has been part of our campus for 150 years with Dr. Janine Boldt, Curator of American Art at the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State University. Dr. Boldt will open our year of celebration by bringing to light the history and significance of our most foundational works, including works by Gilbert Stuart and a beloved portrait of George Washington on display at the University Library.

The event is free and open to all. Pre-registration is required.