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10/13/2026

From the University Guild Art Collection:

A Large Toad with a Young Toad on Its Back

Japan, Meiji period
Boxwood; 6¼ × 7¼ inches

In Japanese folklore, frogs and toads are creatures of good fortune. The great toad spirit, in particular, was said to possess the power to protect the poor and oppressed. During the Meiji period, tales of frogs and toads—some wondrous, some ghostly—helped make them popular subjects for okimono, decorative sculptures displayed in a traditional Japanese alcove.

This finely carved toad carries a smaller, younger companion on its back. The sculpture is made of boxwood, prized by carvers for its fine grain and strength: it can hold delicate detail without splintering. Look closely and you can make out the tiny bumps and folds of the toad’s skin. Its deep, lustrous color comes from traditional stains, polishing waxes, and the natural oils left by decades of handling.

The carving entered the University Guild Art Collection as a gift from Irma Kuppenheimer Cahn, wife of Bertram Cahn. Northwestern’s Cahn Auditorium, built in 1940, honors their support and leadership. Bertram was a donor, trustee, and member of the class of 1899; Irma championed his philanthropic work and their educational ties to the University. She died in Chicago in 1943.

Kay Burlingham
Art Collection Director

10/08/2026

We had a fantastic lecture on Monday from Dr. Julie Strauss about major Supreme Court Decisions. We also enjoyed tea and cookies. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our favorite annual program!

10/01/2026

From the University Guild Art Collection

P. Ipsen | Amphora Vase | 14.5” × 9” × 14.5” | Ceramic

This elegant amphora has quite a story behind it.

It was made by P. Ipsens Enke, a celebrated Danish pottery company founded in Copenhagen in the 19th century. The workshop became famous for its finely crafted, unglazed terracotta inspired by ancient Greek and Roman pottery. Its museum-quality pieces were exhibited internationally and became prized by sophisticated collectors.

The company was founded by Peter Ipsen (1815–1860), who was devoted to reviving the beauty of classical antiquity. When he died unexpectedly at just 45, his widow, Louise, (1822-1905) took over the business—a remarkable step for a woman of her time. Under her leadership, the company became known as P. Ipsens Enke, meaning “P. Ipsen’s Widow.” (portrait below)

Our amphora came to the University Guild in 1927 as a gift from Emma Wigmore, wife of John H. Wigmore, Northwestern’s first full-time dean of the Pritzker Law School. Emma was later Chairman of the Guild Curator’s Committee (1929–1931) and was remembered by students as a warm and welcoming presence at the law school.

So this beautiful object is more than a classical vase. It connects the Guild to a remarkable Danish artist, an unconventional woman entrepreneur, and the early history of Northwestern.

Kay Burlingham, Art Collection Director

09/28/2026

Join us on October 5 at 1:30 pm in the Guild Lounge for a favorite Guild program with Julie Strauss, Independent Lecturer in American Politics and Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Julie will take a closer look at the major decisions of the Supreme Court’s 2025/2026 term, exploring important cases involving voting rights, presidential authority, the Federal Reserve, and tariffs.

09/16/2026

We had a great program yesterday with over 70 attendees for a great lecture by Gloria Groom. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

09/02/2026

From the University Guild Art Collection: Young Girl With Doll | by Bertoldo Taubert | Oil on Canvas, 21” x 12.5”

Who Was the Man Who Painted Young Girl With Doll?

Hanging on the west wall of Scott Hall at Northwestern University is a charming oil portrait of a young girl tenderly cuddling her doll. The painting radiates innocence and tranquility—a striking contrast to the remarkable and dangerous life of the man who painted it.

Bertoldo Taubert, an Italian-born French painter, was born in 1915 into an artistic family. His father was a well-known portrait painter whose subjects included Pope Pius XI and King Victor Emmanuel III. The family moved to Paris when Bertoldo was a child, and he spent most of his life there.

Taubert was known for modernist landscapes, still lifes, and deeply contemplative religious and ceremonial works. There are no known public photographs or physical descriptions of Bertoldo Taubert, perhaps because he was an active and heroic member of the French Resistance during WWII. Records detail a highly dangerous and covert role that he played during the German Occupation of France. He utilized underground networks to help over 300 Jews escape from Nazi-occupied France. In 1944 his activities were discovered by the German Gestapo. He was captured and imprisoned until the war ended.

His wartime experiences may have influenced the somber, spiritual character of his later work. After the war, he also painted prominent figures, including Winston Churchill.

The University Guild Art Committee purchased Young Girl With a Doll in 1964 from the Findlay Gallery in Chicago, using money from its Art Savings Fund.

Taubert died in Paris in 1974.

-Kay Burlingham, Art Collection Director

08/31/2026

RSVP REQUIRED - Join us on Monday, September 14th at 1:30 pm for a special program featuring Gloria Groom, Chair and Winton Green Curator of Painting and Sculpture of Europe and Executive Director of Initiatives in France at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Gloria will explore how museums acquire works of art, what goes into the decision-making process, and why certain works become part of museum collections.

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/EeNPtpLoPZZgDZE79

08/06/2026

Each year, the University Guild awards scholarships to exceptional students at Northwestern. Our awardees are committed to both serving their community and excelling intellectually. We are proud to have these students represent the values of our Guild.

One of our scholarship awardees is Meron Dawit. Meron is a rising junior at Northwestern University studying Social Policy and Global Health Studies. She is a research assistant at Feinberg School of Medicine in outcomes research and works in a microbiology lab on campus. She is also a legal intern at Hall Render, where she supports attorneys in the field of healthcare law. She currently serves on the Northwestern Community Ensemble Choir board and is Co-President of Womxn in Law. She is very passionate about health equity and policy, and plans to attend law school after graduation and pursue a career in health law.

07/29/2026

Each year, the University Guild awards scholarships to exceptional students at Northwestern. Our awardees are committed to both serving their community and excelling intellectually. We are proud to have these students represent the values of our Guild.

One of our scholarship awardees is Payton Lowenthal-Wojcik. Payton is a rising junior at Northwestern University. He is studying English and pursuing a career in teaching. He has tutored high school students and mentored students as an Advising Fellow through Matriculate, a non-profit organization aiming to support low-income high schoolers in their journeys toward higher education. On the side, Payton loves to travel and experience new cultures, people, and hikes.

07/22/2026

Each year, the University Guild awards scholarships to exceptional students at Northwestern. Our awardees are committed to both serving their community and excelling intellectually. We are proud to have these students represent the values of our Guild.

One of our scholarship awardees is Adhraa Arastu. Adhraa is a rising junior majoring in Elementary Teaching and Psychology and minoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After graduation, Adhraa hopes to work as an elementary school teacher, helping all students to reach their full potential. Adhraa tutors at a local elementary school through Northwestern’s Books and Breakfast Program. She also tutors 4th graders in reading through the Teach for America Ignite Fellowship program.

Address

Guild Lounge, 601 University Place
Evanston, IL
60201

Telephone

+13035150816

Website

https://theuniversityguild.org/

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