David Edwin Finley

David Edwin Finley was a prominent figure in the American art world, serving as the director of the National Gallery of Art from 1937 to 1956. He played a crucial role in shaping the institution's collection and exhibitions, working closely with notable artists and collectors such as Andrew Mellon, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. Finley's tenure at the National Gallery of Art coincided with significant events in the art world, including the establishment of the Federal Art Project and the WPA Federal Theatre Project. He was also a key figure in the development of other cultural institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Institution.

Early life and education

David Edwin Finley was born in Tennessee in 1861 and grew up in a family of modest means. He attended Vanderbilt University, where he studied law and developed a strong interest in the arts, particularly the works of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and other Dutch Masters. After graduating from Vanderbilt, Finley moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in law, working with prominent lawyers such as Joseph Hodges Choate and Elihu Root. Finley's early life and education were influenced by his relationships with notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who would later play important roles in his career.

Career at the National Gallery of Art

Finley's career at the National Gallery of Art began in 1937, when he was appointed as the institution's first director by Andrew Mellon, the founder of the gallery. During his tenure, Finley worked to establish the National Gallery of Art as a premier cultural institution, acquiring significant works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. He also developed relationships with other notable museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Louvre, and collaborated with curators such as Alfred H. Barr Jr. and Dorothy Miller. Finley's leadership at the National Gallery of Art coincided with significant events in the art world, including the Armory Show and the establishment of the Guggenheim Museum.

Role in establishing the National Portrait Gallery

In addition to his work at the National Gallery of Art, Finley played a key role in establishing the National Portrait Gallery, which was founded in 1962. He worked closely with Charles Nagel, the first director of the gallery, to develop the institution's collection and exhibitions, which featured portraits of notable Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. Finley's involvement with the National Portrait Gallery reflected his interest in American history and culture, which was also evident in his relationships with institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Other public service and legacy

Throughout his career, Finley was committed to public service and played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. He served on the boards of numerous institutions, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Federation of Arts, and the Architectural League of New York. Finley's legacy is reflected in the many institutions and exhibitions that he helped to establish, including the National Gallery of Art's West Building, which was designed by John Russell Pope and features a collection of modern and contemporary art. Finley's contributions to the art world were recognized by numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Personal life

Finley's personal life was marked by his strong interest in the arts and his commitment to public service. He was married to Elizabeth Finley, a prominent socialite and philanthropist, and the couple was known for their support of the arts and their relationships with notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Finley's personal collection of art included works by Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, and other notable American artists, and he was a frequent visitor to cultural institutions such as the Frick Collection, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Despite his many accomplishments, Finley remained humble and dedicated to his work, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world and beyond. Category:American art collectors