The Passionate Collector : Eighty Years in the World of Art

"Few living persons have served the Metropolitan Museum of Art–indeed, the entire world of art and art museums–longer, or with more distinction, than Roy Neuberger. A man of taste, passion, persistence, and generosity, he has shared much of his great private collection with the public, and for generations has supported activities that bring people to museums, and motivate them to return again and again. Now, this giant of a man has recorded eighty years of his life–and the result is entertaining, illuminating, and, like the tireless gentleman himself, inspiring." –Philippe de Montebello, Director, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Equal to his passion for investing is Roy Neuberger’s love for art–which he has collected and encouraged for eight decades. In The Passionate Collector: Eighty Years in the World of Art, you’ll follow this fascinating financial figure and great patron of the arts from the streets of 1920s Paris to the museums of New York as he develops the eye of a connoisseur and begins to collect great contemporary art. Vivid detail puts you in the center of the action as Neuberger collects the brilliant artists of his time–Milton Avery, Jackson Pollock, Ben Shahn, Edward Hopper; works with legendary art dealers Paul Rosenberg, Betty Parsons, Sidney Janis, and Leo Castelli; and befriends avid collectors, including the incomparable Duncan Phillips. You’ll follow Neuberger as he strives to further the cause of contemporary American artists by exhibiting, lending, and donating from his growing collection, and becoming an activist for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney. You’ll also see how the Neuberger Museum of Art was created at the urging of Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and how it continues to fascinate art enthusiasts today. Part personal memoir, part history of art, The Passionate Collector offers a unique view of twentieth-century American art from a man who has lived it. THE PASSIONATE COLLECTOR......Page 3 CONTENTS......Page 11 PREFACE......Page 13 INTRODUCTION......Page 19 CHAPTER ONE Memories of Paris in the 1920s......Page 25 CHAPTER TWO A Collection Begins......Page 41 CHAPTER THREE Working with the Whitney......Page 67 CHAPTER FOUR The Great Dealers......Page 83 CHAPTER FIVE MoMA: Modern Art Comes of Age......Page 105 CHAPTER SIX The Collectors......Page 127 CHAPTER SEVEN My Love Affair with the Metropolitan......Page 149 CHAPTER EIGHT The Neuberger Museum of Art......Page 165 CHAPTER NINE Advice for Young (Under Ninety-Nine) Collectors......Page 177 ABOUT THE CONNABLES......Page 185 INDEX......Page 187 Roy Neuberger's passion for investing is equaled only by his love for fine art which he has collected for over 70 years. "The Passionate Collector follows Neuberger's journey from obscurity to preeminence as a patron of the arts. In this compelling book, he shares his adventures in pursuit of fine art, his views on the influential artists of our time, and his approach to collecting great art A Wall Street investor shares his experience in art collecting, discussing his views on today's most influential artists, patrons, and museum directors, and describing his relationships with art world figures.