Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Kuhn, Robert print view role Collector dates 1916-2006 city Los Angeles state CA other cities Detroit, MI; London; sex M historical notes Dr. Robert Kuhn, a Los Angeles–based cardiologist, and his wife Helen began collecting contemporary art in the 1960s, then shifted to pre-Columbian art until 1972 when new regulations prohibited Mexican exports of pre-Columbian material, eventually settling on African art. Two-thirds of their collection has already been generously donated to various institutions, and an auction for the remained will be held at Sotheby’s New York on November 20, 2023, consisting of 140 objects, ranging from a 12th-century terra cotta sculpture from Mali to a Luba royal caryatid stool from Zaire. The highlight of the collection is a graceful 31-inch-tall figure, one of only a few of its kind. Also included are prized works such as a Fang reliquary guardian figure and a Tshokwe male figure. Dr. Kuhn's commitment to art extended beyond his collection. He and his wife, Helen Kuhn, played pivotal roles in promoting the appreciation of ethnic art, being founding members of the L.A. Ethnic Arts Council and actively supporting museums and universities in their mission to enhance the understanding and appreciation of pre-modern and non-Western art in the United States. decades of activity 1960-1970 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000 updated 03/22/2024 12:09:32 bibliographic search Search Frick Art Reference Library Catalog Search Photoarchive Search Worldcat Archives/Repository Collection Title Collection Details «  back