A long-lost painting by famed Black American modernist Jacob Lawrence is back on public display for the first time in decades.
The current owners bought the painting at a charity auction in 1960, the museum said.
The Met says the locations of four other paintings from the series are still not known.
The painting was represented by an empty frame prior to the discovery, according to the statement.
Visitors wearing protective masks observe COVID-19 prevention protocols as they browse the “Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Credit: John Minchillo/AP
“It is rare to make a discovery of this significance in modern art, and it is thrilling that a local visitor is responsible,” Met Director Max Hollein said in a statement.
“We are also very excited for our colleagues at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), the organizers of the exhibition that inspired this historic find. And most importantly, we are looking forward to having visitors enjoy this new addition — in these final two weeks at The Met and at the upcoming venues of the show.”
The series is on display until November 1, the Met said.
The painting will be included in the touring exhibition that will be presented in museums in Birmingham, Alabama; Seattle, Washington; and Washington, DC, through next fall.