Visionary Collectors: American Women and the Art They Championed

Through four exclusive workshops offered for the Alliance Française of Philadelphia, this lecture series explores the visionary American women who built extraordinary art collections—Isabella Stewart Gardner’s Venetianinspired masterpiece, Gertrude Stein’s avant-garde Parisian salon, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s opulent treasures, and Peggy Guggenheim’s daring embrace of modernism. Each lecture will be delivered in English, followed bya discussion in French, offering participants the opportunity to engage with the material while practicing their language skills with native speaker and art historian Tosca Ruggieri

Gertrude Stein: The Art of Cultivating Creativity

Explore the profound influence of Gertrude Stein, whose impact on modern art rivals her literary achievements. This lecture delves into Stein’s role as a visionary collector and patron in early 20th-century Paris, where her keen eye and unwavering support nurtured the careers of groundbreaking artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Braque, propelling movements like Cubism.

The lecture unveils the vibrant world of Stein’s Parisian salon, a hub where artists, writers, and thinkers gathered to exchange ideas and ignite innovation. It also examines the complex relationship between Stein and her brother Leo, whose shared passion for art collecting left a lasting mark on their legacies and the broader art scene.

Attendees will gain insights into Stein’s journey from her formative years to her status as a key patron in the Parisian art world. Highlights include notable works from her collection and their significance in the history of modern art.

This exploration showcases the enduring impact of Stein’s patronage, revealing the intricate connection between her literary and artistic endeavors. Discover a revolutionary figure whose influence extended beyond the written word, shaping the course of modern art and creativity.

Tosca Ruggieri, art historian and museum educator was raised between France & Italy. Fueled by a lifelong love for art, Tosca established Art with Tosca in 2021 after moving to Washington D.C. Tosca holds degrees from EPHE-Sorbonne, Paris and King’s College London. Prior to founding Art with Tosca, Tosca enriched her experience by working for a prominent art collector in Paris and in London art galleries. Now, Tosca shares her passion on a wider scale through a series of online lectures. Based in Washington D.C., Tosca also curates captivating tours of the D.C. museums, in particular at the National Gallery of Art, guiding guests through a treasure trove of masterpieces, spanning the Italian Renaissance to modern times. Tosca's mission is to make art a more approachable through engaging experiences. Whether you're joining from the comfort of your home through lectures and virtual events or exploring museums halls in person, Tosca offers journeys through centuries of artistic expression

*** NEXT SESSION ***

June 3rd : From Cereal Heiress to Art Patron: The World of Marjorie Merriweather Post

*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***

Time : 6:30 PM

Duration : 1 hour

Format : 45-50 min Lecture in English, followed by 10-15 min Q&A in French (optional)

Location : Online (Zoom)  - Opportunity for those who attended or registered to receive the replayLanguage : English, French  

Date :  Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

Fee : $12 for AF Members / $15 for non AF Members

*** REGISTRATION ***

Register by filling the form below  and we will send you a link 12-24 hour before the event to join the meeting with the lecturer and the other participants.

*** NOT A MEMBER YET ? ***

Create your membership and join the AF members team !