“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” a phrase coined by Margaret Wolfe Hungerford in her 1878 novel Molly Bawn, captures the enduring and subjective nature of taste in art. Though popularized in the 19th century, this idea traces back to ancient Greek literature, reappears in the works of Shakespeare and Benjamin Franklin, and continues to echo in modern society. Across time, it has framed how people understand, critique, and collect art.

This sentiment is relevant to this exhibition, which reflects the personal vision of Fruitlands Museum founder Clara Endicott Sears. Many artworks and objects in Eye of the Beholder were collected by Sears in her lifetime, and all are now part of the Fruitlands Museum collection. While perhaps differing from today’s definitions of beauty or importance, these works speak volumes about the time and place from which they emerged. Some pieces may seem unconventional or utilitarian, but each carries a story revealing something deeper than appearance alone.

Art need not always charm or please; it may challenge, document, or elevate the everyday. This exhibition pairs cherished portraits, landscapes, and furniture from the Sears family collection with objects that once belonged to artists, scholars, and communities—items that may appear modest but are rich with meaning. In doing so, Eye of the Beholder invites reflection: What makes an object worth preserving? Who decides what is worthy of display? And how do we define beauty across time?