The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens near Pasadena, Calif., long known for its collection of nineteenth-century English portraits, has made a foray into the post-war era by purchasing a work by Robert Rauschenberg.

American artist Rauschenberg was known for his work in abstract expressionism and neo-dadaism. 

While this may seem a curious purchase for the Huntington, the museum held an important place in Rauschenberg’s life; the artist spoke of the inspiration he found there when first witnessing the work of Thomas Gainsborough and Thomas Lawrence.

Rauschenberg's piece, from 1979, entitled “Global Loft,” is done on fabric with mixed media and is considered one of Rauschenberg’s “spread” paintings.

It was purchased from the Gagosian Gallery, who represents the artist’s estate, via funds donated last year to the Huntington in honor of the late Robert Shapazian.  The artwork will go on display July 5th in the American gallery.