Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Abigail Greene Aldrich Rockefeller was a significant American socialite and philanthropist. She is best remembered for her leadership in the art world. She played a central role in establishing the Museum of Modern Art, known as MoMA, in New York City. Rockefeller was also a dedicated collector of folk art. Her work helped people recognize the value of both modern and traditional art. Her influence shaped how museums collect and display pieces today.

Abby was born on October 26, 1874, in Providence, Rhode Island. Her father was Nelson W. Aldrich, a powerful United States Senator. Because of her father's political status, she met many important leaders as a child. She attended Miss Abbott's School for Young Ladies in Providence. There, she studied subjects like art history, French, and German. In 1894, she traveled extensively through Europe. She visited many art galleries in countries like Italy, France, and Germany. These trips helped her develop a sharp eye for art.

In late 1894, Abby met John Davison Rockefeller Jr. in Providence. He was the son of the Standard Oil co-founder, John D. Rockefeller Sr. The two began a long courtship involving many Sunday afternoon walks. They married on October 9, 1901, in a massive social event. About one thousand elite guests attended the wedding at her father's home. The couple eventually lived in a nine-story mansion in Manhattan. They also owned homes in Maine and Virginia. They had six children, including Nelson Rockefeller, who became the 41st vice president of the United States.

Abby became a major patron of modern art starting in 1925. She collected works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. In 1928, she used the art deco style to decorate her home. She created the Topside Gallery to display her growing collection. This gallery was on the seventh floor of her residence. Visitors used an elevator to reach the art. This setup allowed her to host curated exhibitions for guests. Her interest in modern art encouraged many other collectors to follow her.

Rockefeller was a co-founder of the Museum of Modern Art. She worked with Lillie P. Bliss and Mary Quinn Sullivan to create the institution. They gathered support from leaders like Anson Goodyear and Paul J. Sachs. The museum's first director was Alfred H. Barr Jr. Rockefeller served on the board of trustees starting in 1929. She held several roles, including treasurer and First Vice-president. Because her husband did not support modern art, she had to find her own funding. She raised money from the public and various corporations. She even used her personal funds to buy new paintings for the museum.

Abby also focused heavily on American folk art. This is art made by everyday people rather than professional artists. She collected items like quilts, pottery, and weather vanes. She worked with art dealer Edith Halpert and curator Holger Cahill. In 1934, Cahill searched the southern United States for new pieces. He found items in attics and carpenter shops. One important find was a watercolor titled "The Old Plantation" in South Carolina. In 1932, she helped organize a successful traveling exhibition of folk art. This show visited six different American cities.

Her commitment to art extended to helping others through creativity. During World War II, she helped create the War Veterans' Art Center. This center aimed to rehabilitate veterans through the practice of art. The center served 1,485 veterans before it closed in 1948. Rockefeller died on April 5, 1948, at age 73. She left a massive legacy through her will. She bequeathed famous works by Vincent van Gogh and Georges Seurat to MoMA. She also left her Oriental miniatures to the Fogg Museum. Her estate was valued at over $1.1 million at the time of her death.