Henry Clay Frick was an industrialist who was born in Pennsylvania in 1849 and made his fortune producing coke derived from coal, a major steelmaking ingredient. Its major clients included, of course, the company of the famous Scotsman, Andrew Carnegie, who, eventually, ended up creating the U.S. Steel. With so much work and luck, at the early age of 30, Henry Clay Frick was already a great millionaire, and his company was among the first in the world.
But, above all, this tycoon has gone down in history for his last 20 years, when he began collecting art for his mansion in New York, that is, his famous Frick Collection. In fact, this collection presents universally known artworks in an unparalleled bourgeois surrounding, what was once the mansion of this great businessman. A real gem.
The former residence of Henry Clay Frick evokes the style of Parisian hotels of the late 18th century. In fact, this mansion was built by Thomas Hastings himself, best known as the author of the New York Public Library, next to Bryant Park in Midtown East. In addition to its majestic entrance, we want you to pay attention to the great staircase. You will see how the exquisite taste of the architect and decorators, Sir Charles Allom and Elsie de Wolfe, manages to play with natural light on a Renoir and lift and extol the largest organ ever built for a house in Manhattan. Also, do not miss the main hall, where French, English, Italian, Japanese and Chinese elements are combined with mastery.
Among the works of this stunning collection feature very important artists, such as Bruegel, Bellini, Constable, Turner, Goya, Van Dyck, Titian, Ingres, Monet and Rembrandt.
Admire the work of Venetian Cinquecento, "St Francis in the Desert," by Giovanni Bellini, from 1480, depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata of Christ. We also emphasise the famous "Self-Portrait" by Rembrandt, from 1658, where the artist depicts himself as an Oriental character. Also in the rooms of this mansion, you will find 3 of the 35 works by Vermeer, among which "Officer and Laughing Girl," from 1660, may be the most prominent one. Another highly interesting work exhibited here is "Bullfight" by Eduard Manet, from 1864, a time when the author was fascinated with Spain and bullfighting.
In addition, the collection includes European furniture, such as a dresser that belonged to Marie Antoinette, and sculptures, such as the beautiful life-size terracotta, "Diana the Huntress," by Jean Antoine Houdon, from 1695, and other works of decorative art.
As you can see, the Frick Collection is one of the most important private collections of that time. As the saying goes, it is a great small museum. Enjoy its works without any hassle in this unparalleled framework and, if possible, take a break from New York's pace in the garden atrium. You will love it.
