In 1986, the Tampa Museum of Art acquired the prominent collection of antiquities of Mr. Joseph Veach Noble.
“…the Tampa Museum of Art acquired some 175 ancient objects from the eminent collection of Joseph Veach Noble (1920-2007). This acquisition became the cornerstone of the museum’s burgeoning permanent collection of antiquities that has since grown to about 875 objects (and counting). After nearly four decades, it is high time to place the Noble collection in the spotlight once more.” Joseph Veach Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector is on view now through February 19, 2026.

In 1987, Mr. Noble was photographed by Yousuf Karsh. The Museum owns the vase that he holds in the Karsh portrait. In fact, Noble was photographed on three occasions: 1965 and 1969 as Operating Administrator and Vice-Director of Administration while with the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Director of the Museum of the City of New York

The superb Noble collection of Greek and Italian vases is of international renown for its breath of themes and styles, forms and techniques. The Noble vases are therefore of superior educational value to illuminate aspects of ancient Greek myth and religion, warfare and athletics, wine culture and cosmetics, daily life and entertainment. Many vases of Noble’s collection have been on display in the past decades, but no dedicated presentation of the collection has been on view since the inaugural exhibition at the TMA in 1986. The two-year exhibition Through the Eye of a Collector will also showcase fascinating curiosities and beautiful sculpture in the TMA’s Noble Collection.