University Will Receive Berenson Art Collection

The University is heir to the estate and a major part of the personal belongings of the late Bernard Berenson '87, the CRIMSON learned yesterday. Berenson, renowned art critic, died yesterday morning at the age of 94 in his villa at Settignano, Italy, after a long illness.

The paintings in his estate include a Sassetta altarpiece and a Domenico Veneziano madonna, the combined market value of which is close to $1,750,000, and about 50 other paintings of less spectacular value, but of high artistic importance.

Berenson's sharp eye for a genuine masterpiece served him well as he built up the large art collection that now fills his 40-room Settignano mansion. The contents of this villa, most of which have been willed to Harvard, include an extensive library of about 80,000 volumes on art, religion, and history as well as the art collection.

Because of Berenson's constantly stated desire that his estate, "I Tatti," be left just as it had been during his life time, sources deem it unlikely that the art at the estate will be removed to America.

Speculation is rising as to how Berenson intended Harvard to use the villa. Probably, though, the collection will be utilized primarily by graduate students in the humanities who have already decided on their life studies. When the will is opened, the details of Berenson's wishes will be known and at that time University officials will likely make further statements clarifying their plans for the estate.

In a prepared statement, President Pusey declared himself "deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bernard Berenson, a distinguished son of Harvard whose gracious presence and confident taste have greatly influenced art and letters."

"We now understand," Pusey continued, "that he has left his estate and a major part of his personal property to the University. We are deeply grateful." It seems certain that long and involved negotiations will be made by the University with Berenson's executors before direct University administration will begin.