Introduction | 1907–1939 | 1941–1959 | 1961–1979 | 1980–1999

Paul Mellon, philanthropist, founding benefactor, and trustee of the National Gallery of Art, died on February 1, 1999 at the age of 91. His final bequests to the Gallery, which were announced in February and June, include 183 works of art and endowment funds for acquisitions, art education, the archives, and the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts.

The works of art Paul Mellon and his wife Bunny gave to the Gallery during his lifetime and in this bequest, more than 1,000 in all, form an extraordinary legacy. Paul Mellon once observed that he and Bunny "almost never buy a painting or drawing we would not want to live with or see constantly." Their refined taste is apparent in the incomparable works of art they designated for the National Gallery—an unsurpassed trove for the collections selected with care, discernment, and wisdom.

Paul Mellon has also left a legacy of visionary and judicious leadership, spanning decades from the inception of the Gallery to the time of his death. With his father, Andrew W. Mellon, he participated in creating and building the new museum. He carefully watched over its growth, from a single building with a budding collection to a magnificent institution with an additional monumental structure and rich holdings. He also encouraged the development of the new National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

At the memorial service celebrating his life and unparalleled generosity, held in the East Building on April 7, 1999, National Gallery president Bob Smith said, "Paul has combined innate stature with true natural elegance and the resources and the personal wit and modesty to make him a perfect patron. Paul exemplified the Renaissance ideal. He was that very rare person who, in being true to himself, inspired and enhanced us all."

Introduction | 1907–1939 | 1941–1959 | 1961–1979 | 1980–1999