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Kress Collection

About The Samuel H. Kress Foundation

Samuel H. Kress (1863–1955) founded the S. H. Kress Co. five and dime chain of department stores in 1896. With the fortune he amassed from his retail business, he collected European art dating between 1300 and 1900. In 1929, he established the Kress Foundation and began distributing his collection of over 3,000 works, mostly Italian renaissance and baroque paintings and sculptures, to museums and galleries in the many small towns across the county where his stores were located. 

The University of Notre Dame’s Art Museum received eighteen objects as part of Kress’s philanthropic efforts.  Those on view are listed below and illustrated in the gallery section of this web page. 

Taddeo Di Bartolo (Italian, ca. 1362–ca. 1422), Saint Geminianus, ca. 1400, tempera and gold on cradled panel, 26.25 x 17.5 inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.002

Giovanni Antonio Amadeo (Italian, 1447–1522), Virgin Enthroned Nursing Infant Jesus, early 16th century, marble, 34 x 21.25 x 6.5 inches. Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.001

Gualitieri di Giovanni da Pisa (Italian, active early 15th century), Madonna and Child, tempera and gold on panel, 34 x 21.25 inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.003

Master of the Fabriano Altarpiece, The Crucifixion, ca. 1360, tempera and gold on panel, 15.5 x 5.5 inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.004

Cosimo Rosselli (Italian, 1439–1507), Christ on the Cross, ca. 1500, oil on wood panel, 61 x 42.5 inches. Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.013

Neroccio di Bartolommeo de’Landi (Italian, 1447–1500), Madonna and Child with Saints, late 15th century, oil on panel, 9.1 x 9.25 x inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1962.017.002

Paolino (Italian, 1472–1517), The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and the Infant Baptist, early 16th century, oil on panel, 46.5 x 41.75 inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.007

Jacopo Bassano (Italian, 1515/16–1592), Nativity, ca. 1600, oil on canvas, 44.5 x 30.5 inches (framed). Gift of the Kress Foundation, 1961.047.010