Anne L. Poulet is an American art historian, curator, and museum director, highly regarded for her specialization in 18th-century French sculpture and decorative arts. Her extensive career has included prominent roles at major cultural institutions, notably the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and The Frick Collection in New York City.
Career Poulet began her professional life as an art historian and curator, developing significant expertise in European decorative arts and sculpture. She served as Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), where she was instrumental in shaping the museum's holdings and curating important exhibitions.
In 1991, Poulet was appointed director of The Frick Collection in New York City. She led the institution for twelve years, until her retirement in 2003. During her directorship, she was known for enhancing the Frick's renowned collections through strategic acquisitions, fostering scholarly research, and overseeing the presentation of critically acclaimed exhibitions. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to maintaining the unique character of the Frick while advancing its academic and public outreach.
Notable Contributions Among Anne Poulet's most significant achievements was co-curating the landmark exhibition "Jean-Antoine Houdon: Sculptor of the Enlightenment" in 2003 at The Frick Collection. This was the first major retrospective of the French Neoclassical sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon in the United States. The accompanying scholarly catalogue, co-authored by Poulet, provided new insights into Houdon's work and remains a crucial resource for art historians. Her contributions have significantly advanced the study and appreciation of French 18th-century art.