Charles Ryskamp

Former Director of The Frick Collection.

Past Exhibition: Former Director Charles Ryskamp's Bequest

painting of green and purple fruits on branch with leaves
A Passion for Drawings: Charles Ryskamp's Bequest to The Frick Collection
February 14, 2012 to April 8, 2012

The Frick Collection celebrated the generosity and discerning taste of former Director Charles A. Ryskamp (1928–2010) with an exhibition of works on paper from his bequest. Dr. Ryskamp's generous gift transformed the museum's holdings in drawings, enlarging them by nearly a third, while complementing the permanent collection's focus on the landscape and figural subjects favored by Henry Clay Frick. The works were exhibited for the first time at the Frick in the Cabinet, a space created by Dr. Ryskamp during his tenure as director from 1987 to 1997 and intended especially for the display of works on paper.

Matthew Hargraves: "Charles Ryskamp: A Life in Arts and Letters"

Link to video of Matthew Hargraves lecture

"Charles Ryskamp: A Life in Arts and Letters," by Matthew Hargraves, Yale Center for British Art, February 15, 2012.  Charles Ryskamp (1928–2010) served as the Director of The Frick Collection from 1987 to 1997. Under his leadership the Frick underwent a profound evolution and embarked on a new era of growth and innovation.