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

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

Step into the world of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a woman whose extraordinary wealth,taste, and passion for collecting shaped her legacy as one of America's most influential art patrons. From her beginnings as a cereal heiress to becoming a prominent socialite, Post's opulent lifestyle was matched only by her discerning eye for art, particularly her extensive collections of Russian Imperial art and French decorative arts.

Join art historian Tosca Ruggieri for an exploration of Post’s life and her visionary contributions to the art world. Discover how she amassed a breathtaking collection of

Russian Imperial treasures, alongside exquisite French furniture, tapestries, and porcelain. Her stunning Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C. is not only a reflection of her wealth but also a testament to her sophisticated taste and commitment to preserving art history.

This lecture will also delve into Post’s role as a philanthropist, her personal life marked by multiple marriages, and how she shaped the cultural landscape of her time. From her rise as a businesswoman to her lasting influence on the arts, learn how Marjorie Merriweather Post’s legacy continues to inspire generations today.

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 10th : Peggy Guggenheim : A Collector with Flair

*** 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 replay

Language : English, French  

• Date :  Tuesday, June 3rd, 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 !