The earliest painting in the Whitney show is a small 1921 portrait of Juliana Force at the Studio Club, standing to one side and seen from behind.

But its founding director, Juliana Force, not only had mounted folk art shows but was also a pioneering collector in that field.

Whitney could bankroll the small museum and, with her director, Juliana Force, program its exhibitions according to a personal vision of what was artistically worthy.

Juliana Force, then the director of the Whitney Museum, was known for her generosity toward artists in need.

Juliana Force, the Whitney's director since 1931 until her death on August 28, 1948, harboured grave concerns and advocated the abandonment of the coalition.

For four decades Juliana Force did whatever she could for her vast and needy brood.

Benton had believed he was cheated when he sold the murals to the Whitney's director, Juliana Force.

The proceeds are to be used to purchase 20th-century art as a memorial to Juliana Force, the Whitney's first director.

The museum - for another decade largely reflecting the personalities of Gertrude Whitney and Juliana Force - continued to join in controversy without reservation.

The museum plans to establish a purchase fund for 20th-century art as a memorial to Juliana Force, the Whitney's first director.