'Covetable pictures': John Taylor Johnston (1820–1893), collecting art between New York and Europe. (13th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Busciglio-Ritter, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Journal of the history of collections. Volume 32:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2018-12-13
• Subjects: Collectors and collecting -- Periodicals; Collectors and collecting -- History -- Periodicals; Museums -- Acquisitions -- History -- Periodicals; Collectibles -- History -- Periodicals; 069
• DOI: 10.1093/jhc/fhy059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6650

Abstract

Abstract: Born in 1820, John Taylor Johnston is a pivotal figure in the history of American collecting. A pioneer in transatlantic art collecting, his numerous visits to Europe helped him develop his taste, enrich his possessions, and build a reliable network of artists and dealers. He then re-injected this experience into a rising New York art market, becoming the first collector to enjoy success through the weekly public opening of a domestic art gallery. Here he displayed his highly-praised collection of European and American paintings, comprising works by Vernet, Gérôme, Meissonier, Homer and Church. Along with his brother James, Johnston also founded the very first edifice in the United States devoted entirely to housing artists – the Tenth Street Studio Building, designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. His reputation as a collector eventually led to his appointment as first president of the newly formed Metropolitan Museum in 1871.