The Sigmund M. and Mary B. Hyman Collection exhibition features 47 artworks recently accessioned into the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMoA) Permanent Collection through the fulfillment of their promised gift. These artworks represent some of the most recognized figures in Western Art History including Bonnard, Bouché, Chagall, Davies, Degas, Giacometti, Glackens, Kokoschka, Luks, Maillol, Matisse, Moore, Mucha, Picasso, Pène du Bois, Renoir, Soyer, Toulouse-Lautrec, Whorf, and Wiggins, among others. In addition, this collection highlights examples from The Ashcan School, Art Nouveau posters from the late 1890s, as well as artworks by artists with direct ties to Cape Cod.

Mary Bloom Hyman (1927-2024) was born and grew up on Cape Cod. She married the love of her life Sigmund “Sig” Hyman (1921-2002) of Baltimore, and together the couple chose Stevenson, Maryland as their residence. Even though Mary lived in Maryland most of her adult life, she visited Cape Cod regularly and always made time to stop at the Cape Cod Museum of Art to view the current exhibitions and reconnect with staff.

Mary and Sigmund shared a love for art and assembled an impressive collection of paintings, prints and sculpture. Mary often credited her husband “Sig” with exquisite taste and an eye for art. But those who were lucky enough to know Mary Hyman and listen to her describe their collection quickly sensed Mary’s own deep knowledge and passion for art collecting. 

For Sigmund and Mary philanthropy was a way of living. Their advocacy and support of educational opportunities opened many doors for others. Mary carried on with this mission even after Sigmund’s passing in 2002.  She was driven by her intellectual curiosity and unceasing will to do good. Having graduated in adult education from Johns Hopkins University, Mary worked and believed in the power of education throughout her career and continued to promote and support educational programs until her very last days. In 2024, Cape Cod Museum of Art acknowledged Mary’s long-time contributions by honoring her with the CCMoA MUSE Benefactor Award. Mary accepted this award in person during our 2024 Annual Gala and celebrated the occasion in the company of her beloved Cape Cod Community. Unfortunately, Mary passed later that same year.

During their lifetime Sigmund and Mary Hyman decided to make promised gifts from their prized art collection between two institutions; the Baltimore Museum of Art, where they were actively involved, and the Cape Cod Museum of Art, which always remained close to Mary’s heart.  With an unwavering focus on education, Mary believed this gift to the CCMoA would bring insightful context to our Permanent Collection, often pointing out relationships between regionally significant Cape artists and New York City affiliated artists from the Ashcan School and Art Students League. It is also important to acknowledge the role many of these artists played in the development of Modernist movements influential here on the Cape and globally.

Cape Cod Museum of Art is thankful to be the recipient of this collection of art and proud to fulfill their wish that the Sigmund M. and Mary B. Hyman Collection be exhibited in its entirety upon accessioning. 

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Support provided by

• Bob and Cathey Portrie •

• Cape Cod Five Charitable Endowment •