Jere Abbott

Jere Abbott (October 5, 1897– July 9, 1982), was an American art historian, known for being the first associate director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.[1][2]

Early life and education

Jere Abbott was born on October 5, 1897 to Arthur Abbott and Flora Parkman (Abbott) in Dexter, Maine.[2][3]

Abbott received his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College in science and went on to attend graduate school at Harvard University in physics. It was here that he met Alfred Hamilton Barr, who sparked his interest in Art History. Abbott studied in France and Russia, and returned to the US to receive a graduate degree in art history from Princeton.[3]

Career

In the spring of 1929, Abbott established the fine arts department at Wesleyan University.[2]

From 1929-1932, Abbott worked as the first associate director of the Museum of Modern Art, alongside its first director, Barr.[3]

In 1932, Abbott became director of the Smith College Museum of Art, where he also taught some classes in modern art. Abbott was instrumental in shifting the Museum's focus toward the collection of modern pieces, including Picasso's cubist Table, Guitar, and Bottle (1919).[3]

In 1946, Abbott retired from Smith to return to his family business, Amos Abbott Woolen Manufacturing Company in Dexter, Maine, as treasurer.[3]

Abbott also served, for 35 years, as a trustee of the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter.[2]

Death and legacy

Abbott died in Dexter, Maine on July 9, 1982. He was 84 years old.[1]

At the time of his death, Abbott left a $4.3-million acquisition fund to the Colby College Museum of Art.[3]

Honors

In 1970, Abbott was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Colby College.[2]

References
  1. "Jere Abbott, 84, Dies; Art Museum Director". The New York Times. 1982-07-22. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  2. "Guide to the Jere Abbott Papers, 1879-1934". library.bowdoin.edu. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  3. "Collection: Jere Abbott papers | Smith College Finding Aids". findingaids.smith.edu. Retrieved 2020-08-21. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 3.0 license.


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