Austen Henry Layard collector and amateur : diplomacy, art history and collecting in 19. Century Europe

Abstract

This dissertation challenges the historical assessment of the Layard Collection as simply a bequest of paintings to the National Gallery. The thesis will shed light on the multifarious interests of Austen Henry Layard (Paris, 1817 – London, 1894) in forming a collection consisting of more than 800 items. With versatile interests and always on the move, Layard purchased a great variety of fine and decorative arts, ranging from Cypriot pottery to Renaissance paintings, from Spanish metalwork to beautiful examples of Armenian manuscripts. Albeit its importance has long been recognised, the Layard collection has not sustained a focused attention in its entirety yet. Stemming from the extant literature, the current dissertation considers and marshals new sources, by challenging Layard’s activities in pursuit of public and private collecting, in order to assess him as an art collector and amateur. The thesis is organised into two thematic sections. The first Trading: An Issue of Art and Diplomacy furnishes a biographical sketch of Layard and introduces to his art knowledge and purchases through diplomatic channels, either for public institutions and privates. Besides, it presents an analysis of his longstanding relationship with the London museums over thirty years (1863-1894). The second section, The Collection, is an in-depth study on the history of the formation, display, and dispersal of his private collection, including a detailed analysis of the items hitherto unknown.