LOUISVILLE — The Speed Art Museum, Kentucky's largest art museum, has acquired a painting by post-impressionist Paul Cezanne for $3.5 million.

        Museum officials lauded the painting, “Two Apples on a Table,” as the most important addition to its collection since it acquired Rembrandt's “Portrait of a Woman” in 1977 for $1.2 million.

        “We are thrilled to add this wonderful small masterpiece to the Speed's collection,” said Peter Morrin, museum director. “It is truly a lasting gift to our community and region.”

        The 9-by-13-inch painting went on display Tuesday in the Speed's main gallery. Mayor Dave Armstrong, who attended the unveiling ceremony, said the painting “adds to the overall positive direction that Speed is moving,” under Mr. Morrin.

        The painting was paid for through donations, with the Alice Speed Stoll Accessions Trust providing most of the cost.

        The painting had been in the hands of private collectors for years before Ruth Cloudman, the museum's curator, spotted it on display in a Paris, France, art gallery, which had been commissioned to sell it for a Japanese collector, said museum spokeswoman Penny Peavler. That collector, whose name was not released, had owned it since 1991.

        “Two Apples on a Table” was painted some time between 1895 and 1900.
       

Officers' silence creates quandary
Police uproar may cost Shirey job
City leaders at funeral tinged with bitterness
Lower passing grade urged
Butler Highway extension sought
RADEL: Just think
Local teacher best in state
2 Area reps take major House spots
Saylor gets 2 years for voting fraud
Condit to leave solicitor position
Council says builder in violation
Flip for president? Prof says odds better
Friend held in teen's slaying
Goals, funding raised for literacy programs
Group plans lawsuit, boycott in effort to change police
Higher fees to help fund golf course
Indictment in teen-sex case
Lebanon workers to get bonuses
Little girl's kidnapper strangled in his cell
Lottery fan just keeps on winning
Mayor faces impeachment
Place to grow as well as play
Plea agreement reached in killing
Reward offered in Woodlawn fire
Speed Museum purchases Cezanne painting for $3.5M
Store owners agree to drop adult magazines
Teacher accused of rape of girl, 12, he met online
Fifth 'quadruplet' a surprise for Columbus couple
In the Schools
Tristate A.M. Report