A Legacy of Patronage: The Collection of Colles and Dr. John Larkin

For decades, Colles B. Larkin and her now late husband, Dr. John Larkin (1930–2019), stood at the very heart of the Twin Cities’ vibrant cultural landscape. The couple met in Boston when their paths crossed as art collector and gallerist. Both being widely respected on their own accord as discerning collectors of fine American art, the Larkins built a life together defined by quiet elegance, intellectual curiosity, and an enduring commitment to public enrichment.

Colles’ expertise as an art historian and curator brought a deeply professional, academic rigor to their mission. Dr. John Larkin balanced a distinguished medical career as a pioneer in orthopedic surgery, notably being the first to perform total joint replacements and arthroscopies in Minnesota. Together, the couple’s curatorial vision and old-world art patron spirit shaped one of the region’s most meticulously assembled collections. Their understanding of art historical narratives, provenance, and thematic cohesion directly informed the acquisition of their extraordinary private collection.

The couple’s dedication guided their deep involvement with the Twin Cities’ top cultural anchors. Dr. Larkin was known as an “encyclopedia of American Art” and thus served on the Board of Trustees at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) for 32 years, helping steward the museum’s expansion into one of the country’s premier encyclopedic institutions. Simultaneously, his 27-year tenure on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Museum of American Art (The M) underscored the couple’s commitment to American craft and regional artistic heritage. The Larkin’s leadership extended well beyond museum walls to encompass nine years on the board of the Minnesota Opera, three decades with the Irish American Cultural Institute, and meaningful contributions to the Minnesota History Center. John’s emphasis on presentation meant every piece was framed to perfection, thus adding another layer to their lifetime of thoughtful curation and an enduring devotion to the arts.

For Colles and John, art was meant to be shared. The Larkins enjoyed connecting art with the public; they frequently opened their home to fellow collectors, loaned significant works to major institutions, and donated pieces directly to public collections across the Twin Cities and beyond. They made special efforts to befriend many artists in their collection, and their patron support allowed for insider access to artworks while they were mere sketches and ideas of what was to become. These friendships are the reason so many artworks in their collection come directly from the estate of the artist.

Revere Auctions is pleased to present selected works from the Larkin’s collection. Lots from the Larkin Collection signify an origin anchored in deep artistic expertise, civic vision, and an unwavering commitment to the Minnesota arts community. The works presented by Revere from this outstanding collection stand as a tangible testament to the Larkin’s expert eye and the legacy of American Art.