Back in 1903, the Baltimore-based sisters Etta and Claribel Cone crossed the Atlantic to visit Europe. They were acquainted with Gertrude Stein, and in Paris they stayed with Stein and her brother, Leo. During their stay the sisters mingled in artistic circles, befriended Picasso and Cézanne, and grew especially close to Matisse, who affectionately called them “my two Baltimore ladies.” Passionate about art, Etta began collecting, amassing 700 works by Matisse during the first half of the 20th century. Matisse visited Etta in Baltimore and created paintings with her in mind. Presenting works from the Cone Collection, this exhibition sheds light on a little explored friendship that lasted 43 years. —E.C.