Mathilda Loeser Calnan, a remarkable individual, was born to Charles Alexander Loeser and Olga Loeser (née Kaufmann-Lebert),both of whom were of German Jewish descent.
As the daughter of this esteemed couple, Mathilda inherited a substantial fortune, the result of the remarkable success of the Frederick Loeser Co. Department Store in Brooklyn, New York, which was founded by her paternal grandfather, a visionary entrepreneur.
The individual's father, a distinguished alumnus of Harvard University, was a renowned art collector of global prestige, boasting an impressive collection of masterpieces from the likes of Cézanne. As a wealthy American expatriate, he resided in the picturesque city of Florence, Italy, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the world of art.
This esteemed family, the Loesers, demonstrated their generosity by donating a substantial portion of their prized collection to the U.S. government. Specifically, they gifted eight Cézanne paintings from their extensive collection of 15 such masterpieces to the nation.
Matilda Calnan, affectionately referred to as Mrs. Ronald Calnan, received a deeply personal and heartfelt letter from First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on May 2, 1961. This poignant correspondence was a gesture of gratitude, acknowledging the Loeser family's remarkable gift, which had a profound impact on the Kennedy administration.
As a direct result of the First Lady's warm invitation, Philippa Calnan, Matilda's daughter, would later have the esteemed privilege of visiting the White House. Philippa would go on to occupy a prominent role as a public affairs director at the esteemed J. Paul Getty Trust, solidifying her position as a respected figure in her field.
During her visit to the White House, Philippa had the unique opportunity to witness the paintings in their new setting, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Kennedy administration's commitment to the arts.
John Walker III, the chief curator of the National Gallery of Art, had been hiding a shocking secret, one that would rock the very foundations of the art world. As it turned out, he had been secretly diverting some or even the majority of the artwork from the White House to augment the collection of the National Gallery of Art, which was under his meticulous curation.
The life and times of the enigmatic and charismatic figure, Allen Walker. A man whose actions were shrouded in mystery, yet revealed in a most unexpected manner. It was through his candid admissions that the world gained insight into his clandestine activities, including his ingenious ruse to deceive the perceptive and discerning eyes of Matilda Calnan.
In the year 1950, Walker made a fateful visit to the charming city of Florence, where he sought the counsel of the esteemed Mrs. Calnan. With an air of calculated nonchalance, he inquired about the proper care and preservation of the esteemed Cézanne masterpieces, carefully deposited in her esteemed care. And, with a hint of menace, he issued a veiled warning, cautioning her that should any misfortune befall the valuable government property, she would be held accountable for its loss.
As Mrs. Calnan internalized Walker's profound words of wisdom, she made the selfless decision to relinquish her claim to the esteemed Cézanne paintings, thus setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately result in the artistic treasures being showcased in two of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
The eight Cézannes, a renowned collection of impressionist masterpieces, have historically remained separate entities, never having been showcased as a cohesive ensemble, as stipulated in the original bequest of the Loeser family. This deliberate decision has been made by the White House curator's office, adhering to the terms of the bequest.
In a heartfelt and emotional letter, Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady, conveyed her profound sense of disappointment and dismay, lamenting the actions of Walker, who had allegedly "betrayed" the intentions of Mr. Loeser. Mrs. Kennedy's words were a poignant expression of her deep emotional investment in the preservation of the Loeser collection and her commitment to honoring the original wishes of the donor.
Margaret Leslie Davis' book "Mona Lisa in Camelot", published in 2008, unveiled the entire scope of the scandalous affair, which had previously remained largely unknown. The account of the events is documented in a 14-page brief, titled "My Most Infamous Intrigue: The White House Cézannes", now archived at the prestigious National Gallery.
