Eugene Thaw's 1996 interview reveals collector's philosophy and Morgan Library legacy

Eugene V. Thaw passed away on January 3, 2018. In a 1996 interview with RA Magazine, which was later republished as the Morgan Library's exhibition "Drawn to Greatness" approached its closing on January 7, he articulated his philosophy on collecting. As a prominent dealer of old master paintings, Thaw catered to prestigious clients, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection. He contributed more than 250 drawings to the Pierpont Morgan Library and played a role in funding a building acquisition while serving on its board. Thaw appreciated drawings as aesthetic experiences, focusing on renowned artists like Mantegna, Rembrandt, Goya, and Cézanne. He distinguished J.P. Morgan's charitable efforts from those of contemporary billionaires, and alongside his wife Clare, he supported Native American art and historic restoration in Santa Fe, never reselling any pieces from his collection.