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Old China Trade merchants who were benefactors of the met museum
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has a long history of benefactors and donors who have contributed to its collections and programs. Some of these benefactors had connections to the Old China Trade, which was a period of international trade between China and Western countries, particularly the United States, during the 18th and 19th centuries. These merchants and individuals played a significant role in shaping the museum's collection of Asian art and related objects. Here are a few notable figures associated with the Old China Trade who were benefactors of the Met:
George Washington Vanderbilt II: George Vanderbilt was an American businessman and collector who inherited a fortune from his family's involvement in the steamship and railroad industries. He was an avid collector of Asian art, particularly Chinese porcelains, and donated many items to the Met in the early 20th century. His collection formed the basis for the museum's Asian art holdings.
Heber R. Bishop: Heber Bishop was a successful merchant and collector who traded with China in the late 19th century. He amassed a significant collection of Asian art, including ceramics, textiles, and sculptures. Bishop bequeathed his collection to the Met upon his death in 1902, greatly enriching the museum's holdings.
John D. Rockefeller Jr.: While not directly involved in the Old China Trade, John D. Rockefeller Jr. was a major philanthropist and supporter of the Met. He made significant contributions to the museum, including funding the acquisition of Asian art and the construction of the museum's Asian art galleries. His generosity helped the Met expand its collection of Chinese and other Asian artworks.
James A. Garland: James Garland was a wealthy New York City merchant who collected Chinese porcelains and other Asian art objects during the late 19th century. He donated a substantial portion of his collection to the Met, contributing to the museum's holdings of Chinese ceramics.
William M. Laffan: William Laffan was a journalist and collector of Asian art, particularly Chinese ceramics. He donated his collection to the Met in 1893, adding to the museum's growing Asian art holdings.
These benefactors, along with many others, played a crucial role in shaping the Metropolitan Museum of Art's extensive collection of Asian art and artifacts. Their contributions have allowed the museum to showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of China and other Asian countries to the public.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has received support and donations from various individuals and families, including some who could be considered Boston Brahmins, a term used to describe the culturally and socially elite families of Boston during the 19th century. Many of these families were known for their wealth, cultural pursuits, and philanthropic activities. While the Met has received contributions from numerous donors over its history, here are a few notable Boston Brahmins who were benefactors of the museum:
Henry Gurdon Marquand: Henry Gurdon Marquand was a wealthy financier and collector of art. He was a major benefactor of the Met in its early years. Marquand donated his extensive collection of European paintings, including works by Old Masters, to the museum. His contributions significantly enriched the museum's European art holdings.
Collis P. Huntington: Collis P. Huntington was a railroad magnate and philanthropist. He played a key role in the development of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad, part of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States. Although he was not originally from Boston, Huntington was a notable donor to the Met, contributing to the growth of its collections.
J. Pierpont Morgan: J. Pierpont Morgan was a prominent financier and banker. While he was primarily based in New York, Morgan was a significant patron of the arts and made substantial contributions to cultural institutions, including the Met. His donations included important works of art, manuscripts, and rare books.
George Peabody: George Peabody, though not a Boston Brahmin himself, was a noted philanthropist with connections to Boston. He established the Peabody Education Fund, which supported education in the South, and he made contributions to various cultural and educational institutions. The Peabody Museum at Harvard University, though not directly affiliated with the Met, bears his name.
While these individuals were involved in various philanthropic endeavors and cultural institutions, including the Met, they may not all fit the traditional definition of Boston Brahmins. However, their contributions to the museum and other cultural institutions played a crucial role in the development and enrichment of the Met's collections and programs.
