The Bader Collection
Long-time benefactors Alfred (Sc’45, Arts’45, MSc’47, LLD’86) and Isabel Bader (LLD’07) presented Queen’s with a spectacular gift of 68 paintings from their personal collection of Dutch and Flemish Baroque art. The gift represents a significant contribution to the Initiative Campaign.
These 68 paintings add to the existing collection of 130 paintings previously donated by the Baders, helping to secure the place among the largest and best collections of European Art in Canada, and among the major hubs for European Art in North America.
This gift also cements the Agnes’s position as a world centre for the understanding and enjoyment of the Rembrandt School, the group of artists who studied with, followed, and befriended the great master over his long and storied career, expanding his remarkable achievements into a phenomenon that reached across Europe. The Bader Collection includes two stunning portraits by Rembrandt previously donated by the Baders.
A few highlights from the recent gift include:
- A striking self-portrait by Willem Drost
- An engaging Biblical scene by Aert de Gelder
- An introspective portrait by Jacobus Leveck
- A vibrant early work by Rembrandt’s friend, Jan Lievens
Enhancing our students’ learning experiences
The Bader Collection dramatically enhances our students’ learning for both arts and non-arts students. Queen’s is one of only a few universities that give art history students the opportunity to examine and work with original works of art. Professors in the faculties of education, engineering and health sciences use the Bader Collection to augment their teaching and encourage new ways of understanding.
