August Belmont and Isabel Perry
Medium
Painting
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Paul Mellon
Accession Number
NPG.80.138
Tags
HouseArt collectorBankerFinancierAugust Belmont: MaleMinisterSocialiteCaroline Slidell Perry Belmont: FemaleBonnetTop hat
About this artwork
The Prussian Jewish banker August Belmont (left) was a noted sportsman, arts patron, and diplomat. He arrived in New York City as an agent of the Rothschild banking family during the economic crisis known as the Panic of 1837. Within a decade, he was one of New Yorkâs wealthiest men. After serving as Austriaâs consul general to the United States (1844â50), Belmont held diplomatic posts in the Netherlands (1853â57), returning home with a large art collection.