Mary Berenson facts for kids
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Mary Berenson (born Mary Whitall Smith; 1864–1945) was an important art historian. She was born in Pennsylvania. Many people believe she helped a lot with the writings of her second husband, Bernard Berenson. She was known for her deep knowledge of art history.
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Her Early Life and Family
Mary's father was Robert Pearsall Smith, and her mother was Hannah Whitall Smith. Mary studied at the Harvard Annex from 1884 to 1885.
In 1885, Mary married an Irish lawyer named Benjamin "Frank" Conn Costelloe. After their marriage, her family, including her brother Logan Pearsall Smith and sister Alys Pearsall Smith, moved to England in 1888. Mary and Frank later separated in 1892.
Mary had two daughters with Frank Costelloe: Ray Strachey and Karin Stephen. Her daughters connected her to the famous Bloomsbury Group. This was a group of English artists and writers. For example, Karin married Adrian Stephen, who was Virginia Woolf's brother. Ray married Oliver Strachey, who was Lytton Strachey’s brother.
Her Work in Art History
In 1888, Mary met Bernard Berenson in London. She became an expert in art history. She and Bernard worked together in Italy. Bernard became very famous as an art expert. Many people think Mary helped him greatly with his work.
One of their books, "The Venetian Painters of the Renaissance," came out in 1894. It was published under Bernard's name. It is said that Mary's mother asked that Mary not be given credit for her work.
Mary and Bernard Berenson later married in 1900, after her first husband passed away.
Sharing Italian Art in America
Mary traveled around the United States giving lectures. These talks were very important. They helped many wealthy American collectors become interested in Italian Renaissance art. This happened in the early 1900s.
Life at Villa I Tatti
Mary Berenson created a lively social group at Villa I Tatti. This was the home she shared with Bernard. She also helped develop the beautiful gardens there. Many famous people visited their home. These guests included writers like Edith Wharton and Gertrude Stein. Other visitors were John Maynard Keynes and Isabella Stewart Gardner.
By 1927, Mary became tired of hosting so many guests. She passed this duty to Elizabeth Mariano, who was the couple's librarian. Later in her life, Mary faced many illnesses. By 1935, she was largely unable to move around easily. In 1940, she lost her oldest daughter due to surgery problems.
