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Lot Essay
George Blumenthal (1858-1941) was a German emigrée whose genius for foreign exchange while working for Lazard Frères in New York made both his fortune and his reputation as one of Wall Street's most respected financiers. He retired from finance in 1925 and with his wife, Florence Meyer Blumenthal (d.1930), they devoted themselves to art and philanthropy which became their most important legacy. Though largely unknown today, George Blumenthal's influence equaled that of his most famous contemporary, J. Pierpont Morgan. Blumenthal donated significant funds to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, served as its President from 1935-1941 and left the Museum the contents of his palatial New York mansion--over seven hundred works, including significant Italian Renaissance paintings, early works of art and decorations.
Their Parisian hôtel particulier was filled with paintings by 18th century artists such as Fragonard, Boucher and Watteau, as well as equally important French furniture and works of art. Florence Blumenthal died in 1930, and the contents of their home, including this elegant bust by Marin, were sold by Georges Petit two years later.
Their Parisian hôtel particulier was filled with paintings by 18th century artists such as Fragonard, Boucher and Watteau, as well as equally important French furniture and works of art. Florence Blumenthal died in 1930, and the contents of their home, including this elegant bust by Marin, were sold by Georges Petit two years later.