Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Blodgett, William Tilden print view role Collector dates 1823-1875 city New York City state NY sex M historical notes Collector, businessman and varnish manufacturer. A cofounder, patron, and chairman of the first executive committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1870s, William Tilden Blodgett, was a capitalist who made his fortune in the varnish business and through real estate investments. Blodgett was a member of both the Century and Union League clubs. Blodgett collected works by both European and American artists. His collection included Church's " Heart of the Andes," De Camp's " Suicide," Gerome's "Pride of the Harem," and among others, American artists Eastman Johnson, Gifford, and Huntington. Works of art once owned by Blodgett were lent to Hudson-Fulton Celebration; Jan van der Heyden, "Bull in the Street," now in the Detroit Art Institute. He also lent Meindert Hobbema's "The Pool," Pieter de hooch's "Cavaliers and Ladies," Isack van Ostade's "Cottage Scene," and Willem van de Velde's "Calm Sea." Additionally, Blodgett Lent work to The Universal Exhibition held in Paris, 1867. decades of activity 1840-1850 1850-1860 1860-1870 1870-1880 updated 03/22/2024 12:09:29 bibliographic search Search Frick Art Reference Library Catalog Search Photoarchive Search Worldcat Search Wikidata Entry Archives/Repository Collection Title Collection Details The Getty Research Institute Research Libraries, Archives and Special Collections M. Knoedler & Co. records, approximately 1848-1971 see details... «  back