The “Manet & Morisot” exhibition explores artistic exchange between two French Impressionists whose personal and professional lives intertwined during a period of creative ferment in 19th-century Paris. The December 9 FAMSF gala supporting the exhibition brought together modern philanthropists committed to cultural preservation.
On view through March 1, 2026, the show marks the first major exhibition dedicated to the Manet-Morisot relationship. Works from international collections including the Musée d’Orsay document their mutual influence and the development of Impressionism as an artistic movement.
The Exhibition’s Significance
Emily Beeny, Chief Curator of the Legion of Honor and the Barbara A. Wolfe Curator-in-Charge of European Paintings, organized the exhibition. Her curatorial approach positions the show within broader conversations about how artists influence each other’s work.
Serving as the penultimate exhibition in the Legion of Honor 100 centennial celebrations, “Manet & Morisot” demonstrates the museum’s commitment to scholarship-driven programming. A Yinka Shonibare retrospective will conclude the centennial program.
J-P Conte’s Approach to Giving
J-P Conte, managing partner of family office Lupine Crest Capital, attended the private viewing before dinner. His philanthropy emphasizes measurable outcomes and institutional support that delivers sustained impact.
His $25 million Colgate University gift funded physical infrastructure for student life, while the $5 million UCSF donation established permanent research positions in neurology. Both gifts show an approach focused on building institutional capacity rather than one-time programming support.
Sustaining Cultural Institutions
FAMSF relies on private philanthropy for exhibitions and programming. The April 2025 Annual Gala raised $1.7 million, the highest total in museum history. Seasonal galas like the December event supplement that fundraising throughout the year.
J-P Conte’s presence signals business community support for cultural institutions during a period when museums face ongoing financial pressures. His attendance connects arts philanthropy with broader giving patterns among family offices increasingly engaged in cultural causes.