Marguerite "Peggy" Guggenheim
- Born:
- August 26, 1898, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- December 23, 1979, Camposampiero, Italy
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Art Collector, Socialite, Art Patron
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy Guggenheim family.
- Granddaughter of Simon Guggenheim, who amassed a fortune in mining.
- Relatively little formal education.
- Inherited a significant fortune at the age of 21, prompting her interest in the avant-garde art world.
Career and Major Achievements
- 1938: Opened the Guggenheim Jeune gallery in London, showcasing works by Jean Cocteau, Yves Tanguy, and others.
- 1939: Planned to open a museum of modern art in London, but plans were interrupted by World War II.
- 1941: Returned to New York City and opened the Art of This Century gallery, featuring both European and American avant-garde art.
- Art of This Century played a crucial role in promoting Abstract Expressionism, exhibiting works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and others.
- Discovered and supported many emerging artists.
- Post-war, relocated to Venice, Italy.
- 1951: Opened her private collection to the public at the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni in Venice, now the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Legacy and Impact
Peggy Guggenheim played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of 20th-century art. Her patronage and collecting activities were instrumental in promoting both European Surrealism and American Abstract Expressionism. Her museum in Venice continues to be a major cultural institution.
Notable Works
| Type | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice | A vast collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Dalí, Ernst, Pollock, and others. |
| Book | Out of This Century: Confessions of an Art Addict | An autobiography detailing her life, relationships, and experiences in the art world. |
| Documentary | Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict (2015) | A documentary film about her life and career. While there is no official "Marguerite Peggy Guggenheim movie" in the traditional sense, this documentary explores her contributions extensively. |