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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909. Excerpt:... THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART The circumstances which led to the assumption in 1906 of the title National Gallery of Art have been noted in the Introduction and will be found so fully discussed on later pages that little need be said upon the subject in this connection. While the Smithsonian Institution, through the Museum, has been the custodian of the collections of art as well as of natural history belonging to the nation ever since the completion of its building, yet the fine arts have been too poorly represented to warrant their segregation under a specific designation. With the bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston, however, the conditions changed and, although, under the terms of the fundamental act of 1846, the Board of Regents were fully entitled to employ the name National Gallery, it was necessary to justify its adoption to the executors of Mrs. Johnston's will by action of the Court. In the light of subsequent events, it is very fortunate that such a step was deemed imperative and was taken, since it not only secured to the people a gift of great value, but also inspired an active and widespread interest in the subject. This benefaction came, it would seem, at the opportune time, as it was immediately followed by two gifts of exceptional size and importance, one from Mr. Charles L. Freer the other from Mr. William T. Evans, and by a number of smaller donations. The lack of space, soon to be overcome, has prevented active solicitation in behalf of this department, and has caused many would-be contributors to await the better accommodations which are at present in course of adjustment. It may now truly be said that the National Gallery has taken form and its continued progress seems assured, although it is still too early to foretell its future scope....