Solomon R. Guggenheim

Solomon R. Guggenheim, full name Solomon Robert Guggenheim, was a passionate American art collector, recognized for his dedication to the art world. Born in Philadelphia on February 2, 1861, the son of Meyer Guggenheim, he was part of an art-collecting family, with siblings like Simon, Benjamin (father of Peggy Guggenheim), and Daniel, among four others less known. After completing his studies in Switzerland, he returned to the United States and joined the family mining business, later founding the Yukon Gold Company in Alaska. He retired in 1919 to dedicate himself to his true passion: art collection. In 1937, he founded the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation with the aim of promoting and preserving modern art. Among his better-known children are Eleanor Guggenheim (later known as Lady Castle Stewart) and Gertrude Guggenheim. He died in 1949, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.