The Rockefellers and Fine Arts
1. John D. Rockefeller Sr. (1839–1937): The Foundation of Cultural Philanthropy
John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, was not directly involved in painting or art creation. His personal tastes leaned toward simplicity and modest living. However, he believed deeply in philanthropy and the idea that wealth should serve society.
Although his main philanthropic focus was education, religion, and medicine, he laid the groundwork for future generations of Rockefellers to invest heavily in the arts. His fortune made possible what later became one of the greatest cultural contributions in American history.
2. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller: The True Pioneer of Modern Art Support
If there is one Rockefeller who transformed the fine arts world, it was Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, wife of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Passion for Modern Art
At a time when many Americans considered modern art strange or controversial, Abby embraced it. In the early 20th century, artists such as:
Pablo Picasso
Vincent van Gogh
Henri Matisse
Paul Cézanne
were not yet widely accepted in the United States.
Abby believed that America needed exposure to these groundbreaking artists.
Founding the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
In 1929, Abby co-founded the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. This was a revolutionary step. Modern art was not yet respected in traditional institutions.
MoMA became:
A platform for avant-garde painters
A center for innovation in visual arts
A global leader in modern and contemporary art
Through MoMA, paintings that once shocked audiences became masterpieces celebrated worldwide.
3. Nelson Rockefeller: Politics and Patronage
Nelson A. Rockefeller, grandson of John D. Rockefeller Sr., was deeply engaged in the arts.
Support for Modern and Latin American Art
Nelson expanded his mother’s vision. He collected:
Modernist paintings
Latin American artworks
Abstract and contemporary pieces
He believed art had diplomatic and cultural power. During his political career (he later became Vice President of the United States), he promoted cultural exchange through art.
Rockefeller Center Murals Controversy
One of the most famous art-related events connected to the family occurred at Rockefeller Center.
In the 1930s, Mexican artist Diego Rivera was commissioned to paint a mural. However, Rivera included an image of Vladimir Lenin in the artwork. Because of political tensions, the mural was removed.
This incident highlighted:
The tension between artistic freedom and political ideology
The Rockefeller family’s significant role in commissioning public art
Although controversial, Rockefeller Center remains one of the most iconic examples of public art integration in architecture.
4. David Rockefeller: Expanding the Family Collection
David Rockefeller, another grandson of John D. Rockefeller Sr., became one of the most important art collectors of the 20th century.
A World-Class Collection
David and his wife Peggy collected works by:
Monet
Picasso
Matisse
Rothko
Warhol
Their collection was considered one of the finest private art collections in the world.
Record-Breaking Auction
In 2018, after David Rockefeller’s death, his art collection was auctioned at Christie’s for over $800 million, one of the largest charitable auctions in history.
The proceeds supported:
Education
Health initiatives
Environmental causes
Cultural institutions
This event demonstrated how the Rockefeller family used art not just for prestige, but for public benefit.
5. Rockefeller Center: Art in Public Space
Rockefeller Center in New York City is not just a commercial complex — it is an artistic landmark.
Artistic Contributions Include:
Large-scale murals
Sculptures
Art Deco design
Prominent public artworks like “Prometheus”
The Rockefellers believed art should not be limited to private galleries. They integrated painting and sculpture into everyday public life.
This approach influenced urban development and public art movements worldwide.
6. Influence on American Modern Art
The Rockefellers helped legitimize modern art in America at a time when European art dominated global culture.
Their contributions:
Elevated American museums
Supported emerging artists
Promoted abstract expressionism
Encouraged art education
MoMA, in particular, helped establish New York as a global art capital after World War II, shifting artistic influence from Paris to New York.
7. Philosophy Behind Their Artistic Patronage
The Rockefeller approach to fine arts was guided by several beliefs:
1. Art as Education
They believed exposure to art broadened public understanding and creativity.
2. Art as Cultural Diplomacy
Art could build bridges between nations and cultures.
3. Art as Social Responsibility
Wealth carried an obligation to uplift society, including through cultural enrichment.
Timeline: Rockefellers in Fine Arts
1839 – Birth of John D. Rockefeller
Early 1900s – Abby Aldrich Rockefeller begins collecting modern art
1929 – Founding of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
1930s – Rockefeller Center art commissions, including Diego Rivera mural
1940s–1970s – Expansion of modern art collections under Nelson and David Rockefeller
2018 – Record-breaking Rockefeller art collection auction for charity
Conclusion
Although John D. Rockefeller built his fortune through oil, the Rockefeller family transformed part of that wealth into one of the greatest cultural legacies in modern history.
They did not become famous as painters themselves. Instead, they became:
Patrons
Collectors
Museum founders
Cultural visionaries
Through institutions like MoMA, support for public art, and extraordinary private collections, the Rockefellers helped shape the direction of fine arts in the 20th century.
Their story proves that influence in the art world does not only belong to artists — it also belongs to those who believe in art enough to preserve, promote, and protect it for generations.
