Albert C. Barnes

File:Barnes portrait by de Chirico.jpg

American physician, chemist, businessman, art collector, writer, and educator

Albert Coombs Barnes (January 2, 1872 – July 24, 1951) was an American physician, chemist, businessman, art collector, writer, and educator. He is best known for establishing the Barnes Foundation, an educational art and horticultural institution in Merion, Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Education

Albert C. Barnes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a working-class family. He attended Central High School and later earned a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Barnes also studied chemistry in Germany, where he developed a formula for an antiseptic silver compound called Argyrol.

Career

Medical and Business Career

Barnes co-founded the pharmaceutical company A.C. Barnes Company with his partner, Herman Hille. The company manufactured and sold Argyrol, which became widely used as an antiseptic. The success of Argyrol made Barnes a wealthy man, allowing him to pursue his interests in art and education.

Art Collection

Barnes began collecting art in the early 20th century, focusing on works by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist artists. His collection includes masterpieces by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. Barnes's approach to art was educational; he believed in the importance of understanding the context and techniques of the artworks.

Barnes Foundation

In 1922, Barnes established the Barnes Foundation in Merion, Pennsylvania. The foundation was created as an educational institution dedicated to promoting the appreciation of fine art and horticulture. The Barnes Foundation's collection is renowned for its quality and includes over 2,500 objects, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Personal Life

Barnes married Laura Leggett in 1901. The couple had no children. Barnes was known for his strong opinions and often clashed with the art establishment. He was a critic of traditional art education and believed in a more hands-on, experiential approach.

Death and Legacy

Albert C. Barnes died in a car accident on July 24, 1951, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His legacy lives on through the Barnes Foundation, which continues to educate and inspire new generations of art lovers.

See Also

• Barnes Foundation
• Argyrol
• Impressionism
• Post-Impressionism
• Modernism

External Links

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