RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is getting four paintings as it prepares to reopen, including a nude portrait by Pablo Picasso of one of his lovers.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday the paintings are being donated by Julian and Josie Robertson. Julian Robertson is a Salisbury, N.C., native who owns a hedge fund called Tiger Management.

Deputy art director John Coffey says the museum never would have considered such a painting 50 years ago. He says the museum’s collection has always been “polite.”

The Picasso is titled Seated Woman, Red and Yellow Background and was painted in 1952. It depicts Francoise Gilot, the mother of two of his children.

The museum has been closed since September, while moving more than 750 pieces to a new building. It’s scheduled to reopen April 24.

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Information from: The News & Observer,

http://www.newsobserver.com

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