Wildenstein & Co., Inc.

Biography

The firm of Wildenstein & Co. was founded by Nathan Wildenstein [1851-1934], who came to Paris from Alsace in the 1870's.

1875 - Nathan establishes a small shop in Paris.

c.1901 - Nathan opens a branch in New York at 5th Ave. and 28th St., but never comes to work in USA.

1907 - Wildenstein purchases the Kann Collection with Duveen Brothers.

by 1910 - Nathan's son Georges co-managing the New York office.

1927 - Purchase of the Foulc Collection [by 1928, per letterhead in NGA curatorial records, the New York office had moved to 647 5th Ave., between 51st and 52nd St. The Paris office was at this date at 57, rue La Boëti.]

c.1930 - Georges opens branches in London and Buenos Aires.

1932 - In November, the New York branch moves to new location at 19 East 64th St.

1934 - Death of Nathan Wildenstein.

1936 - Purchase of the Oscar Schmidt collection in Dresden.

1940 - bought collection of Henry Goldman, New York [?--per provenance card].

1951 -"Jubilee Exhibition" celebrates 50 years of business for the New York branch.

1963 - Death of Georges Wildenstein.

1993 - Wildenstein & Co. pays an undisclosed amount for 49% of Pace Gallery, New York, a leader in contemporary art. The combined business will be the world's largest art dealership. [per TIME, November 8, 1993]

Bibliography

1961

Cabanne, Pierre. The Great Collectors. Paris, 1961; New York, 1963: 229-255.

1978

Patterson, Jerry E. "Wildenstein & Co.: Crossing into its second century." Art News (March 1978):94+

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