Bernard Berenson (1865 - 1959) was an American art historian. He was a major figure in establishing the market for 'old master' paintings.

He was a graduate from Harvard University. His wife Mary (1864-1945), sister of Logan Pearsall Smith, was also an art historian.

He was considered to have one of the greatest eyes for Renaissance art in the world, and a verdict of authenticity from him was worth a fortune in his day. Renaissance paintings had previously been a small part of the art market, given the difficulties of authentication. Berenson's work changed this dramatically.

In recent years it has been discovered that a number of his attributions were in fact incorrect, and speculation continues as to whether these were deliberate. Berenson often had a considerable financial stake in them.

He published three books: The Art of Florence, The Art of Venice,, and The Art of Siena. His home in Florence was named I Tatti. It is now a Harvard study center which houses his collection of books on art history and humanism.

References

• Ernest Samuels (1979) Bernard Berenson: The Making of a Connoisseur
• Ernest Samuels (1987) Bernard Berenson: The Making of a Legend
• Colin Simpson (1986) Artful Partners: Bernard Berenson and Joseph Duveen
• Mary Ann Calo (1994) Bernard Berenson and the Twentieth Century