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Anne d'Harnoncourt Obituary
The Association of Art Museum Directors is shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Anne d'Harnoncourt. Anne defined leadership for a field committed to the public understanding and appreciation of art. As a scholar, esteemed curator, and one of the most admired directors of any art museum in this country or abroad, Anne will be missed by the innumerable people she has helped personally and by the many who have sought to follow her example.
Gail Andrews, President, Association of Art Museum Directors
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Memories and Condolences
for Anne d'Harnoncourt
Anne Craig Humphreys
June 19, 2008
I had the unalloyed pleasure of meeting with Anne d'Harnoncourt when the PMA began collaborating with the Free Library of Philadelphia's Summer Reading programs with gifts of family passes and art workshops at the branches. She was a true Amazon for Art in Philadelphia & the world.
Jennifer Otte Vanim
June 13, 2008
Anne d'Harnoncourt was positively glorious. Intelligent, warm, eloquent, gracious, wise, beautiful, funny, kind, articulate, and elegant. Our museum family will miss her forever.
Tina Smith
June 9, 2008
Such a gift to the PMA, to the Philadelphia Arts community, and to all who enjoyed (the gift of) her presence, if only briefly. A gift to be cherished and long remembered, as we enjoy her legacy...the many gifts bestowed to all thru her talents...and thru these she is infinite.
I'm honored to have been acquainted with such a cool Lady!
Judi Rogers
June 4, 2008
So many beautiful sentiments have been expressed here and elsewhere about Ann d’Harnoncourt – by those who knew her well, and others who simply crossed paths with her at some point. I cannot claim to have been her friend or close colleague, but she made a very strong impression on me whenever we crossed paths. Over the past 5 years, my work has brought me to the PMA offices fairly frequently, and I occasionally saw Anne in passing. Her grace and warmth were ever-present, her presence as imposing and colorful as the remarkable museum she directed. It’s hard to fathom that she is gone.
Michael J. O'Malley III
June 4, 2008
The staff of Pennsylvania Heritage extends its heartfelt condolences to Joe Rishel, the PMA family, and all those who enjoyed the good fortune of knowing Anne d'Harnoncourt. She will be sorely missed.
Although our paths intersected only infrequently, Anne was ever gracious and kind. I shall never forget her ebullience and enthusaism, paralleled by intellectual curiosity, enormous talent, and wit.
I last chatted with Anne during the wee hours of the Academy Ball on the dance floor of the Bellevue and I shall always treasure this memory: She, of regal bearing, beaming as bright as the night stars above and sharing her passion for life and beauty and art with us.
Phyllis Church
June 4, 2008
What a sad loss. I first encountered Ms. d'Harnoncourt when I went to PMA for a gallery tour on modern art. I don't know if she was filling in for someone or if this was her regular tour but she was inspiring.
Years later, I met an elderly woman who had worked as a volunteer at the early beginnings of PMA. Ms. d'Harnoncourt wanted to interview my friend and came to tea with her then fiance, now husband. My friend told me that they could not keep their eyes off of each other and was "charmed" by their enthusiasm for each other.
Years later, I also became a volunteer at PMA. Once I was visiting another local museum and met Ms. d'Harnoncourt there. She greeted me as tho' she knew me and I was so flattered by her awareness of someone who was so "little" in her world. She truly had a "common" touch and knew how to make people feel that they were just as interesting as she was herself.
Altho' my contacts with Ms. d'Harnoncourt were brief, they were meaningful to me and I can imagine that others experienced the same or similar experience.
Her death is not only a loss to the art world but also to the art of being a gracious, giving human being. My condolences to her family on the loss of such a lovely human being.
Kimberly Camp
June 3, 2008
There was no greater friend in the museum world than Ann. Our friendship was a complicated one, but never was there more mutual warmth, support and admiration. My memories of shared birthday celebrations, casual dinners and yes, even the heated exchanges of views about the art museum world are things i will always treasure. She was unique in Philadelphia - understanding but never superificial, in her embrace of artists and of African Americans in a field that was seldom welcoming to either. I can't imagine who could ever fill her shoes with the respect and dignity that radiated through every gesture, every word of encouragement and every hearty, heart-felt laugh. NO words can say how much you will be missed.
Eric Siegeltuch
June 3, 2008
Dear Joe and the Philadelphia Museum family,
Today I read with shock and utter sadness of Anne's passing. I am still in disbelief...
As I look back, I think that Anne was perhaps the first art world 'major figure' whom I met, over 35 years ago, when I was just starting out as an art dealer. From that first encolunter she was ever the warm and gracious person I immediately respected and admired. I like to think that over the years we became closer - as friends. Just the other night her name came up in conversation, with me wishing that she would be offered - and would accept - the Directorship of the Metropolitan Museum, knowing full well that her heart and soul was and would always be in Philadelphia.
Your sadness and loss must be overwhelming. Anne was a giant, whose presence will be felt worldwide forever.
Anne, we love you and will always miss and remember you.
Rest in Peace.
Evelyn and Larry Spencer Jr
June 3, 2008
What a tragedy and loss for us all! I met Anne and her husband Joe a few years ago on their many visits out to Chester CO to visit friends who we are lucky to have as neighbors.
What a lovely lady who will be surely missed. May God look over you.
Bruno Tucci
June 3, 2008
I had the privilege of working along-side Anne d'Harnoncourt as the construction department foreman for the Philadelphia Museum of Art for almost 10 years and I agree, she cannot be replaced. In the Recalling d'Harnoncourt column printed on page A-7 in the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 3rd 2008, Lynne Honickman described Anne perfectly.
Peter Winterble
June 3, 2008
As a long-ago Philadelphia resident, I watched happily from afar as Ms. d'Harnoncourt re-made the core of the city's art world into what it is today. A great leader of that world has been taken from us too soon.
Peter Gouzouasis
June 3, 2008
I new Anne during the '80s and she was a professional who treated every one with dignity and respect.
May God rest and comfort her soul . . .
Nina G. Zucker
June 3, 2008
Anne D'Harnoncourt was one of the greatest cultural and civic leaders Philadelphia has ever had. She was a true visionary who not only transformed PMA into a world-renowned institution, but understood the importance of making visual art accessible and understandable to everyone, and creating a bridge to mainstream popular culture as well as the glorious ethnic diversity of Philadelphia. And the vibrancy of our city and region today as a cultural and tourism destination is due in no small part to her dedication.
She was that rare combination of high art expert and contemporary realist, who knew that in order to grow, the museum needed to be a welcoming, living and breathing entity. As Governor Rendell has said, it all began with Cezanne.
Who else would have seen the opportunity and growth in making the museum a worldwide destination for blockbuster exhibits that bypassed most if not all of the major cities in the U.S., and was able to make it happen? Or the place to gather on Wednesday nights for music, movies and art? Who else would have had the courage to throw open the hallowed doors for a blockbuster HIV/AIDS benefit with Elton John, and not only allow but relish the fact that the museum became the most sought-after backdrop to everything from the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and the annual Welcome America fireworks celebrations to Best of Philly parties and Live 8, not to mention Rocky Balboa? And always, she was kind and lovely and eminently approachable, never compromising the artistic integrity of the institution or the artists or the work itself.
The museum has been part of my life since childhood tours and Saturday painting classes, beginning a life-long love affair with the arts that led to my own BFA from Moore, and a career as a promoter of arts and culture. As an adult, I was lucky enough to cross paths with her, from my days with the Association of Museums when I was on staff at Please Touch, to seeing her at events and even the wedding of friends. We were blessed to have her, and her death truly is a tragic loss to all of us here and throughout the art world. It is impossible to imagine our cultural community without her, and it will be up to us to sustain her indelible legacy.
My heart goes out to her husband and family and everyone connected to PMA. May her memory be for a blessing.
Nancy Kolb
June 3, 2008
To Joe and the PMA family,
To imagine a world without Anne's grace, intelligence, humor and love for others, is not possible. From the first day that many of us came to Philadelphia, she was always there to offer advice and counsel and simply to be a friend. Her wonderful smile, over-sized jewelry, elegant presence, and good humor will be missed by all, but especially her colleagues in the museum field in Philadelphia and the nation. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will continue to grow and thrive due to the extraordinary foundation that she built over her many years of dedicated and loving service to the museum and to the Philadelphia community that she loved so well.
Anne, rest in peace and know that you have been loved by many. Your many friends and colleagues at Please Touch Museum will miss you for many years,.
Cintra Murray
June 3, 2008
Anne's legacy is enormous and one can only hope that we can honor it by continuing to take great pleasure in the arts and culture she brought to us, partaking of her joy in celebrations and by expanding the excitement that Philadelphia--a city she loved--brings to the world. She will be missed by so many, many people whose lives she touched and especially her husband and her wonderful friends and associates. Heartfelt sympathy to all, Cintra Murray
Sherry Hanley
June 2, 2008
I have admired this woman since the late 1970's when I was a college student employed in the summer at the Art Museum. The Philadelphia region has lost a leader of greatness.
Dwight Dekeyser
June 2, 2008
Anne d'Harnoncourt's passing reminds me of the void left when Eugene Ormandy died, her stature was of that magnitude. Above all, Anne will be remembered as a great lady and a treasured friend to all.
Robert Murray
June 2, 2008
The Philadelphia Museum, all of Philadelphia, and the art world in general has lost a truly
great person.
Helene Voron
June 2, 2008
As a former member of the staff of The Philadelphia Museum of Art, I was priviledged to work and know Anne for more than a decade. She had the most remarkable eye and possessed the most wonderful ability as an editor. She was the consummate diplomat, and an extraordinary talented director and woman. She was both hard working and kind. She is irreplaceable.
I am so saddened by the news, and extend my condolences to Joe, Anne's family, and "the museum family" which she so loved.
John Bruce Schmitt
June 2, 2008
Anne d' Harnocourt was charming,charismatic
and a giant of the art-world.My father-in-law
[Peter Kapschutschenko] who was a renowned International-sculptor always took
other artists and friends to the magnificent
"Philadelphia Art Museum".Anne d' Harnocourt's heart and soul permeated this beautiful gem.
Diala Toure
June 2, 2008
Today, the art world has lost one of its leading figures. Mrs. d'Harnoncourt's sudden passing is a great loss for so many of us. Whether we personally knew her or had the formidable opportunity to meet or speak with her on one or many occasions, her erudite, passionate, generous and kind character impacted us.
Back in March, I had a fascinating talk with her on the phone. She generously took the time to call me despite her busy schedule and she was extremely generous of her time. She expressed a great interest in African art. I really enjoyed our conversation and her friendliness.
I will always keep her warm, wise and kind words very close to my heart.
Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Rishel, her husband, to the PMA staff and to all her friends and extended family in the art world.
Alejandro Gallard-Prio
June 2, 2008
Donha Anne was the beauty of art itself. As a latinamerican I am grateful for her support of our art.
Her grace will be always an inspiration for those who had the honor to know her.
Josh DeSeyn-Lodise
June 2, 2008
Unfortunately, like most Philadelphians, I may not know the full scope of Anne's work. But I do know she has been a quiet source of light in this city for quite sometime.
It is a great loss for all of us.
William Fassett
June 2, 2008
Will be sadly missed.
Pedro A. Ramos
June 2, 2008
Thanks to Anne, the first word that comes to mind when I think of The Philadelphia Museum of Art is "fun." Philadelphia has lost one of its great citizens. Anne loved art and loved people, and it showed. I was awed by her success in connecting the PMA to diverse visitors and to children. I hope she knows how much we appreciated her.
Alison Lahnston
June 2, 2008
I knew Anne at Radcliffe, in Chicago where we each went after college, and have been a huge fan of all she has done for Philadelphia and the PMA. What a loss and how much we owe her energy, enthusiasm and leadership.
Sally Griffith
June 2, 2008
Anne will be greatly missed, but she leaves a tremendous legacy -- a vibrant museum, an enriched cultural life, and a shining example of grace, joie de vivre, and civic engagement. Thank you, Anne!
Troy Madres
June 2, 2008
Thank you for adding art to my life when I was a child, high school student, college student, and adult. Your museum enriched my life in ways few people outside Philadelphia can experience. I will miss your handiwork immensely.
Lisa Tremper Hanover
June 2, 2008
Anne was a mentor, colleague, and gracious, enthusiastic supporter. Her towering presence and distinctive voice made a significant statement and she was magically approachable. In sadness, The Staff of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College
Jerrold Crowley
June 2, 2008
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Anne d'Harnoncourt. Such a warm and generous being.
Anne, I'll so miss your chuckle, and your smile.
Rhoda Hershman
June 2, 2008
Anne taught me to love outrageous art while I was in training as a museum guide. She was my favorite teacher. She made a volunteer feel important and It is impossible to think of the museum without her.
Rosemary Currie
June 2, 2008
Rest in Peace, Anne d'Harnoncourt. Thank you for spearheading the fund raising to keep the Eakins, Gross Clinic in Philadelphia.
Elaine and Alanna DeLaney
June 2, 2008
Anne always remembered everyone with her beautiful smile and kind word. My daughter and I both are volunteers at the PMA so we saw Anne and Joseph often. We will miss her very much. But she will always be remembered by us as part of everything we do at the PMA.
Elaine and Alanna DeLaney
Meg and Dev Devereux
June 2, 2008
We were on the far fringes of Anne's world but when we met she was actively gracious, generous, warm and kind. Her brilliance was clothed in goodness and grace. Our deepest .sympathy goes to her husband, many close friends, the museum family and the art world. Meg Devereux
Ann Mintz
June 2, 2008
It's hard to imagine the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the City of Philadelphia, without the graceful, regal presence of Anne d'Harnoncourt.
Valerie Lagauskas
June 2, 2008
Ann was a wonderfully warm and creative force in the community who was generous with both her time and counsel. She will be missed by many of us. Our prayers are with her family.
Susan Edwards
June 2, 2008
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire staff of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, I send our condolences to the family, colleagues, and professional associates of Anne d'Harnoncourt. Anne was a generous supporter of the Frist Center during its formative years. We are honored to have known her and worked with her on numerous occasions. The news of her death saddens us greatly. Her legacy is a tribute not only to her distinguished family but also to the integrity of American art institutions. She will be missed.
Dr & Mrs. Richard Neff
June 2, 2008
Our family in Northern Arizona, near the Grand Canyon, is stunned and saddened to learn of this immense loss to Philadelphia and the international museum world. Native Philadelphians and passionate friends of, but only minor contributors to the PMA, we relocated to Northern Arizona for professional reasons in 2006.
Last year, during the public outcry in Philadelphia about the Eakins "Gross Clinic" painting, we wrote a personal letter of encouragement and thanks to Mrs. d'Harnoncourt for her role in keeping the painting in Philadelphia, with a (modest!) check and renewal of our membership.
To our astonishment, several weeks later the phone rang and it was Anne d'Harnoncourt herself on the line! Mrs. d'Harnoncourt had taken the time in her busy life to contact personally the truly unimportant donors that we were, thank us, discuss our concern and love for "our" Museum, and inform us that our check meant that 38 states were now contributing to the effort. We were astonished by her generosity and will to share, and we cherish the memory of this day.
For one American family, is the kind of person that Anne d'Harnoncourt was.
Linda Rossi
June 2, 2008
My husband Charles and I met Anne when we visited the Perelman annex for the first time. I recognized her by her "acoustic guide" voice. We told her we were members and had greatly enjoyed our visit. She asked if we had seen a new exhibit upstairs in the Annex. On her advice we visited and enjoyed that exhibit very much. In those brief moments Anne conveyed warmth and authority and made us feel that we really belonged to the Museum. Both of us are saddened by her passing and hope that those of you who were close to her can gain some comfort from your happy memories of time spent with her.
Jesse Bermudez
June 2, 2008
Thank you so much Anne for making sure that our world of Latino music and exhibits were included in your programing at the museum. That meant a lot to me that you understood and you never forgot to be inclusive. I will miss you along with those that had a chance to cross your path. May your soul rest in piece and thank you for crossing my path.
Jim Wilgus
June 2, 2008
I met her before while admiring some of the modern art. I found her to be a delightful lady.
Graceful, intelligent, a true renaissance person. Her absence in that tremendous museum will be unfortunately felt by all.
My prayers go to her family and friends.
Evelyn Taylor
June 2, 2008
Anne personified the arts in Philadelphia. It's impossible to imagine our city without her leadership. During the brief time that I worked at PMA, I learned more about modern art than I could have ever learned from text books. Her vision and legacy will live on, but she will be dearly missed. And her jewelry collection! She really knew how to wear things no one else could. What an inspiring human being.
Carmen Febo San Miguel
June 2, 2008
Anne was always generous, smart and inclusive in her actions. She understood the importance of strong relationships between the museum and grass roots arts organizations which for Taller Puertorriqueño open lines of communication between our community and the museum. I admired her as a woman, artist and leader. She will be missed.
Robert Drake
June 2, 2008
Anne was an impressive figure within the art world - and I had the pleasure of getting to know her over the years. She was a wealth of knowledge and passion for art and beauty and I rarely met someone with such warmth for others.
I really enjoyed my moments with her and it truly is a loss, not only for those close - but for the art world at large.
She is irreplaceable.
Wendy Wall
June 2, 2008
I've been an employee at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for almost thirty years, and Anne has been "the best", always. She exhibited outstanding leadership, was always gracious to all of the employees, no matter on what level they worked. She was truly the "Matriarch
of our Museum Family". We will definitely continue her legacy -- to continue the outstanding work and high standards that she set for all of us. Thanks, Anne, for all that you taught us.
Melyssa Kressler
June 2, 2008
I'm saddened to find out about her passing. It just won't be the same visiting the Museum without her there. My condolences to her family.
Ann Satterthwaite
June 2, 2008
What a truly terrible loss to our City. Anne was the epitome of grace, elegance, humility, and inspiration.
Johnny Irizarry
June 2, 2008
Thank you Anne for your dedication to the arts and most especially for your efforts to include the local and international Latino community in Museum programs and exhibitions. Your leadership and extraordinary humanity opened paths for cultural democracy and multi-cultural inclusion. You will be greatly missed and eternally remembered.
Fernando Gallard
June 2, 2008
I am personally saddened to hear of the passing of Anne D’Harnoncourt. I very much admired her enthusiasm and love for the arts. My deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues; my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deborah Filipi
June 2, 2008
On behalf of the Board of Director and the staff of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, we mourn your passing. We thank you for your tremendous contributions to the museum field in Pennsylvania, in the United States and throughout the world.
Richard Weisman
June 2, 2008
Sad sad sad.
george fleck
June 2, 2008
Shocked and saddened to hear of Anne d'Harnoncourt passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
kristin haskins
June 2, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Anne when I first moved back to Philly. I attended the Fleisher Art Memorial dedication of the new Printmaking/Photo facility. I remember when she spoke, she just commanded the room, talking off the cusp yet had great insiteful words about the evening and art in Philadelphia. Not familiar with Philly's "Renaissance" and current art scene, she was its greatest guide. What I also found very interesting about her was her memory. I crossed paths with her after a significant amount of time after first meeting her, and I was surprised she remembered me. This is a significant loss and I am sorry I did not have the chance to corss paths with her again.
Rick Lezenby
June 2, 2008
She truly graced this city with her presence. She had the rare combination of qualities of being a great leader who was also a very nice person.
Richard Brown
June 2, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Thom Nickels
June 2, 2008
She was the best of the best, acutely intelligent, warm, beautiful, engaging, funny, compelling. We writers and journalists loved her. The Museum will have a difficult time "replacing" her, she was that unique, a real classic!
Thom Nickels
June 2, 2008
She was the best of the best, acutely intelligent, warm, beautiful, engaging, funny, compelling. We writers and journalists loved her. The Museum will have a difficult time "replacing" her, she was that unique, a real classic!
Arlene Love
June 2, 2008
It is impossible to imagine Philadelphia and the museum without Anne. She is as much a fixture here as Billy Penn on top of City Hall. What a sad and untimely loss for our city and for the entire museum world.
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