The Yale University Art Gallery holds a wide-ranging collection, from ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts to contemporary art. Its early American paintings and decorative arts are particularly strong, as is its collection of Italian Renaissance art. The museum has important holdings in African art, including sculpture, textiles, and beadwork. Founded in 1832, the gallery was designed by Egerton Swartwout and is the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Recent acquisitions have strengthened its representation of modern and contemporary works, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers.