Samuel Henry Kress: A Legacy of Art and Philanthropy

Samuel Henry Kress was a true visionary, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire art lovers to this day.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1863, Kress grew up in a family of modest means and worked as a traveling salesman before making his fortune in the five-and-dime store business.

He founded the S.H. Kress & Co. chain of stores, which became incredibly successful and allowed him to retire in his 50s.

Kress was a self-made man who understood the value of hard work and determination.

Samuel Henry Kress was born on July 23, 1863, in Cherryville, Pennsylvania.

He was the second of seven children born to John Franklin Kress and Margaret Dodson, who were immigrants from Germany and Ireland.

Kress never married and had no children, but he was a Mason.

At the age of 17, he became a schoolteacher, a remarkable achievement considering his age.

He walked 10 kilometers a day, 5 kilometers to school and 5 kilometers back, to teach 80 students.

Here are some key dates in Kress's life:

Kress's early life and education laid the foundation for his future success as a businessman.

Samuel Henry Kress was a true patron of the arts, and his legacy lives on through his contributions to the world of art. He is widely recognized as the founder of the National Gallery of Art.

As a devoted collector and philanthropist, Kress left an indelible mark on the art world. He was a true visionary who understood the importance of sharing his passion for art with the world.

Kress's philanthropic efforts were not limited to the National Gallery of Art. He was a generous supporter of various causes, and his legacy continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

His commitment to art and education is a testament to his character and values.

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The Kress Foundation has been a driving force in promoting European art in the United States since its creation in 1929. Samuel Henry Kress founded the foundation at the age of 65 with the goal of making his collection accessible to the public.

Today, the foundation provides significant sums annually to support scholarships in Art History, conservation projects, and the digitalization of art-related information. This commitment to education and preservation has made a lasting impact on the art world.

The foundation's efforts have also led to the restoration of numerous architectural treasures in Italy, with the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua being its first major project.

Samuel Henry Kress made his vast collection of art available to the public, and it's truly remarkable.

Kress' collection includes over 800 paintings and sculptures, many of which are Old Master works.

The Kress Collection has been distributed to museums across the country, including the National Gallery of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Here are some notable pieces from the collection:

The Kress Collection has enriched the lives of art lovers across the country, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of art enthusiasts.

Samuel Henry Kress made a significant donation to the National Gallery of Art in 1941, gifting 375 paintings and 18 sculptures to the institution.

This was one of his notable contributions to the art world, making him a key figure in the museum's early years.

Kress was a major donor to the National Gallery of Art, following in the footsteps of Andrew William Mellon and later joined by other notable collectors like Joseph E. Widener, Chester Dale, Lessing Rosenwald, and Ailsa Mellon Bruce.

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