De Saisset Museum

Ernest de Saisset, self-portrait from circa 1895.

Pedro de Alcântara Brasileiro de Saisset was born in Paris, France, the illegitimate son of Pedro I & IV, King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil, and his mistress Henrietta Josephine Mees Saisset.[2] He emigrated from France near the time of the gold rush intending to capitalize on the newfound wealth in the region. While in the area, he served as a consular representative in San Jose and founded the Brush Electric Light company in San Jose, California.[2] While in San Jose, de Saisset married with Maria de Jesus (Jesusita) Palomares (1832–1907) and had four children together: Henrietta, Ernest, Pierre, and Isabel.[2]

Of these children, Henrietta was the only one to marry, and none of the siblings had any children of their own. Ernest was the oldest of the children and began his education at Santa Clara College when he was sixteen. He continued as a student for three years, showing potential in French and drawing. During the final year of his studies, Ernest studied painting with Fr. Bartholomew Tortone, who approved of his work. Since art instructors were in short supply in pioneer California, the de Saisset family sent Ernest to Paris for further study in art at Académie Julian.[3] In 1895, he returned to California; however, he died four years later in 1899.[3]

Portrait of Don Francisco Pérez Pacheco; oil on canvas by Leonardo Barbieri, 1852.

Before her death in 1950, Isabel de Saisset informed the President and governing board of the University of Santa Clara of her wish to donate family real estate and the family art collection for the purpose of constructing a gallery and museum. Many of her personal items — jewels, silver, and tapestries — were also donated. Since that time, the museum has expanded its collections to include many objects from the United States and abroad.

The museum was opened in 1955.[1]

"Highlights of the de Saisset’s permanent collection include Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and 19th century prints by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, William Hogarth, and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Modernist prints in the de Saisset Collection include works by Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso." The Museum also houses important collections of contemporary prints and photographs.