Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon was one of the most significant private art collections assembled in the 20th century, renowned for its exceptional quality and profound impact on American cultural institutions. Formed by philanthropist Paul Mellon and his wife, horticulturalist Rachel Lambert Mellon, the collection was distinguished by its deep focus on British art and French Impressionism. Their visionary philanthropy led to the donation of thousands of works, fundamentally shaping the holdings of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and enabling the creation of the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut.

Overview and Significance

The collection is celebrated for its scholarly depth and impeccable connoisseurship, particularly in the realms of British painting and British sporting art. It provided an unparalleled survey of artistic production in Great Britain from the Elizabethan era through the Victorian era, rivaling even major national collections in the United Kingdom. Alongside this core strength, the Mellons also amassed a world-class array of French painting, including masterpieces by artists central to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Their approach to collecting was guided by a profound sense of noblesse oblige, viewing their treasures as a public trust destined for the American people, which radically transformed the nation's cultural landscape.

Formation and History

Paul Mellon, heir to the Mellon family fortune built by his father, Andrew W. Mellon, began collecting seriously in the 1930s, initially influenced by the Old Master holdings of the National Gallery of Art, which his father helped establish. His marriage to Rachel Lambert Lloyd in 1948 created a powerful partnership, with "Bunny" Mellon's sophisticated eye greatly influencing acquisitions. They were advised by leading art historians and curators, including John Walker of the National Gallery of Art and Basil Taylor for British works. Their collecting accelerated in the post-World War II period, often acquiring works from prestigious sources like the Duke of Westminster and through major auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's.

Major Holdings and Highlights

The British collection featured definitive works by Thomas Gainsborough, including the famed *The Blue Boy*, as well as pivotal paintings by Joshua Reynolds, George Stubbs, J.M.W. Turner, and John Constable. It held an unmatched collection of sporting art by George Stubbs and Ben Marshall, and extensive works on paper by William Blake and Thomas Rowlandson. The French holdings included iconic paintings such as Édouard Manet's *The Railway*, Edgar Degas's *Little Dancer of Fourteen Years*, and masterworks by Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. The collection also included significant examples of American art, European sculpture, and an extensive library of rare books.

Philanthropy and Institutional Legacy

The Mellons' philanthropic vision was monumental. Paul Mellon donated over 1,000 works to the National Gallery of Art, making him its greatest benefactor and solidifying its standing among institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum. His most transformative act was funding and donating his entire British collection to Yale University to create the Yale Center for British Art, designed by architect Louis Kahn. Further gifts enriched the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Pierpont Morgan Library. Their support extended to conservation science, educational programs, and the establishment of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations.

Publications and Exhibitions

The collection has been documented in numerous scholarly catalogues published by the National Gallery of Art and the Yale Center for British Art, such as *The Paul Mellon Collection* and *The British Painting* series. Major exhibitions showcasing their gifts have been held internationally, including at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Landmark shows like *"The Treasure Houses of Britain"* at the National Gallery of Art and *"The Paintings of George Stubbs"* relied heavily on their loans. These publications and exhibitions have cemented the collection's role in advancing the study of art history and making these works accessible to a global public.

Category:Art collections of the United States Category:National Gallery of Art Category:Yale University