140. That’s the number of artworks Dr. Sheldon Peck and his wife Leena donated to the Ackland Art Museum Wednesday. And these aren’t just any pieces of art, but rare European master drawings, valued at $17 million.

Peck also gave the Ackland an $8 million endowment to support museum development. UNC Chancellor Carol Folt said with the inclusion of seven Rembrandt drawings, it’s an important addition to the museum and university.

“We get to celebrate what is absolutely a giant step forward for the Ackland,” she said. “This is the largest gift ever received by our museum with this amazing collection of international significance brought to us right here to live in North Carolina.”

Peck attended UNC for undergraduate and dental school in the 1960s. Since then, he practiced orthodontics and taught at Harvard. Peck said he has always appreciated art, and enjoyed collecting it, but he’s excited to give to a museum that appreciates it as much as he does.

Katie Ziglar, Leena and Sheldon Peck and Carol Folt take in Ackland Art donation. Photo via Blake Hodge.

“These precious artworks are original one-of-a-kind drawings,” he said. “Old master drawings from the Netherlands represent the best of civilization. After years of receiving our most studious cases, these masterworks continue to illicit pleasure, learning and awe: the ultimate paybacks from art.”

Museum director Katie Ziglar said there will be a traveling art exhibit in the future, but the art collection will live, and stay for awhile first at the Ackland.

“The future of the Ackland is bright,” she said. “Here we are, in the presence of 17th Century masters on January 25, 2017. Headed to that future. What treasures we are bringing with us.”

Peck said even though the pieces of coveted art now belong to the Ackland, the museum will take high resolution photos of the artwork and will share them online.

“We really feel that especially with the internet, our great works that we’ve put together will be available to anyone in the world,” he said. “And what a better place to reside in safety and care and nourishment than here at the wonderful Ackland.”

With their gift, the Pecks said they hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for Dutch masters’ artwork. The Pecks’ endowment will also create a new position at the museum for a curator of European and American art for the Peck Collection.

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