Albert Barnes Declined Both Van Gogh 'Starry Night' Masterpieces

The Barnes Foundation, located in Philadelphia and recognized for housing seven Van Gogh paintings, chose not to obtain two significant night scenes. In 1923, Frank Washburn Freund offered Albert Barnes the opportunity to acquire Starry Night over the Rhône, which he declined, likely due to financial issues. This piece eventually went to Fernand Moch and is currently displayed at the Musée d'Orsay. In 1936, Barnes also turned down the more renowned Starry Night available at the Van Wisselingh gallery; it was subsequently purchased by Paul Rosenberg and traded to the Museum of Modern Art in 1941. Between 1912 and 1933, Barnes collected seven Van Goghs, with the collection relocating to Philadelphia in 2012. His writings celebrated Van Gogh's vibrant colors and emotional depth.