"The publication of this book marks the 125th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The spectacular works of art acquired in honor of this momentous occasion enrich the Museum's collection by giving greater depth to its holdings while fortifying the institution's standing as one of the premier venues in which to view art in the United States.".

"Many of the acquisitions are discussed in entries written by the Museum's curators and other art historians, and all of the objects are included in a checklist. The lively juxtapositions of the works of art reproduced in color in the catalogue and the informative nature of the checklist serve to stimulate further interest in the objects and in the Museum itself.".

"An introductory essay on gift-giving as it relates to art discusses the unique relationship that exists between a donor and a museum, and the way that gifts of art influence the life of an institution and the experience of its visitors."--BOOK JACKET.