Collecting 101 with Donna Schneier: Meet Art Collector Lauren Gross

While the present mode of collecting today centers on modern art and design, Lauren Gross chooses to focus mainly on old master paintings, centering on 18th century British portraiture, 18th century British furniture and a good dose of ceramics from the 18th century to the present, mostly blue and white Wedgewood fine-bone China and porcelain.

At age 13, Gross traveled to European museums with her grandmother. As she grew older she continued to study antiquities. She studied Roman architecture in British watercolors at Brown University and art history at the prestigious Art Institute of New York City. Her first job was at Sotheby’s New York, where she stayed for three years.

Gross does not need an art advisor. She is qualified to judge quality, research provenance (the history of ownership) and, if necessary, oversee renovation and restoration. Her pedigree ensures that she is uniquely qualified to form a masterful collection of any kind.

Her favorite work, and a star of the collection, is Sir Joshua Reynolds’ “Portrait of a Young Woman” (circa 1770), which has a remarkable provenance: collection of Baron Eduard de Rothschild, Chateau de Ferreris; confiscated under the direction of Einsalzstat Reichsleiter Rosenberg during the French occupation; May 1940, transferred to the Jeu de Pomme, Paris; transferred to Buzheim, Germany; transferred to the Chateau de Neuschwanstein, Germany, from where it was rescued by the Monuments Men on November 13, 1945.

The Monuments Men were an over–the-hill group of art scholars, art historians, architects and other experts who formed a unit to return as many masterpieces stolen from Jews and others. The mission became even more urgent when the team learned about Adolf Hitler’s “Nero Decree,” which ordered the destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich fell. Caught in a race against time, the men risked their lives to protect some of mankind’s greatest achievements.

The painting was restituted to the Rothschilds on March 29, 1949.

Other old master paintings in Lauren Gross’ collection include George Romney’s “Portrait of Prince William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh” (1790) and Sir Josua Reynolds’ “Portrait of Lady Charlotte Johnston” (1759–1764).

Two major pieces of English furniture include a Wright and Mansfield firmly attributed fine side cabinet (circa 1870) and a Gillows bookcase from a stately home in England. Both works have sister works represented in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

When asked to speak about art collecting, Gross replies, “I think about the Joshua Reynolds “Portrait of a Woman.” I think about who she might be, how she was painted, the climate 250 years ago when there was a French Revolution and an American Revolution. I think about how the painting was rescued. I take great pride in how it was restored.”

She and her husband built an extension to their home in Palm Beach County to house their exceptional collection. Today, Gross continues to collect exactly as she has in the past.

Bravo, Lauren Gross!