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Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

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Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was a famous American sculptor.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1920)
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1920)

She was born into a very wealthy family in New York City. Even with her money, she had to work hard. At first, she used a fake name for her art. She did not want people to think she was just a socialite. She wanted them to take her skill seriously.

Gertrude made many large statues. Some were made of bronze or stone. One of her most famous works is the Titanic Memorial.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

She also made the Spirit of Flight for a big fair in 1939. During World War I, she helped wounded soldiers. She even ran a hospital in France. This work changed her art style to look more real.

Gertrude also loved to help other artists. She gave them money and places to work. She started a club for young artists to meet.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Henri
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Henri

Her biggest gift was the Whitney Museum of American Art. She started it in 1931 in New York City. She wanted a place to show new and modern art. Her museum is still a very important place today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney by John Everett Millais (1829-1896).jpg
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney by John...
File:Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1920).jpg
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1920).jpg
File:Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, II and her daughters, Gladys and Gertrude, having tea in the libtary at the Breakers Newport, Rhode Island.jpg
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, II and her...
File:Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Henri.jpg
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Henri.jpg
File:Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.jpg
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.jpg
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