This month Find Art Experts sat down with one of our clients, art collector and enthusiast, Allan Harvey, to discuss his passion for the art of Rodin and his vision for a private art museum:

Find Art Experts:

When did your passion for art begin?

Allan Harvey:

My interest in art began with an elective Post-Impressionist art class I took in college. Although I had little or no expectations, it ironically proved to be my favorite collegiate course in undergraduate school. From this modest beginning, I was later exposed to a multitude of world-class art museums throughout Europe, while traveling during an elective year in medical school   

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When did you start collecting Rodin?

Allan Harvey:

After launching a successful business in my late 20’s, I began to have the resources to purchase significant art which launched my collection of Rodin sculptures. Over the years I have been able to collect a multitude of works by Rodin including his bronze sculptures, plasters, terra cottas and associated artworks which include works of art on paper, manuscripts, and photographs. I have been  honored to have these works requested by museums in Texas, California, Oregon, and the Musee Rodin in Paris. It is my desire to continue to share artworks with public institutions on a request basis

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What draws you to the work of Rodin?

Allan Harvey:

What intrigues me is how Rodin transformed his study of the classic, fragmentary elements of Greek sculpture into a new expressivity that established his career as the father of modern sculpture

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How long have you been collecting?

Allan Harvey:

I have been collecting for over 40 years

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What was the first piece you purchased?

Allan Harvey:

The first piece I purchased was The Thinker by Rodin

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What is the one piece you would not part with?

Allan Harvey:

The sculpture that I would be loathe part with is a rare monumental bronze of the Burgher of Calais, Pierre de Wissant, which I purchased for my collection several years ago

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Finish this sentence: "I would skip several house payments to buy…"

Allan Harvey:

I would forego (more than) several house payments to buy a marble sculpture by Rodin. As only 500 exist worldwide, it would be a wonderful addition to complete my collection

Find Art Experts:

Do you have a lifelong dream for your collection?

Allan Harvey:

My dream is to establish an educational, hands-on museum which would serve to stimulate artistic appreciation and creativity in youngsters, as a way of providing a spark similar to the one I acquired early on in my art education