This autumn, one of the most celebrated decorative arms collections will leave the vault for a rare public exhibition. “Decorative Arms: Treasures from the Robert M. Lee Collection” features more than 130 firearms dating from as early as 1590 through the modern era. Showcasing the skills of the world’s most revered gunmakers and engravers, the collection includes many arms that have never been seen by the public.
Organized by the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, “Decorative Arms: Treasures from the Robert M. Lee Collection” will be the largest ever public presentation of Lee’s fabulous collection. It will be on view November 16 through February 16.
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“Decorative Arms” juxtaposes historic arms with modern pieces to illustrate the scope of western arms history, as well as the depth and breadth of the Lee Collection. The exhibition explores a variety of themes including European roots and hunting motifs; the training, tools and process of engraving as fine art; the role of silver and goldsmiths in crafting these fine objects; and a history of collector Robert M. Lee (1927-2016).
Lee was a renowned collector of both firearms and fine automobiles and a lifelong enthusiast of exploration, conservation and hunting. Raised in rural New York, he was taught a love of nature and the outdoors by his parents. In 1965, he founded Hunting World, Inc., a luxury goods brand known for designing and manufacturing fine luggage, clothing, watches, leather goods and accessories. Given Lee’s lifetime interest in collectible arms and armor, he helped to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the Robert M. Lee Gallery of American Arms & Armor is named in his honor.
Also on view at the Nevada Museum of Art is King of Beasts: A Study of the African Lion by John Banovich. This special exhibit features paintings by the esteemed wildlife artist alongside historical works dating from the 15th through 20th centuries by such artists as Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt and George Stubbs.
King of Beasts features more than 40 paintings that explore questions about mankind’s deep fear, love and admiration for these fascinating creatures. Accompanied by a spectacular new King of Beasts book, the exhibition spans nearly 25 years of Banovich’s travels to Africa where he focused primarily on lions.
