John D. Rockefeller

Born Richford, New York

“It is my duty to make money and still more money,” John D. Rockefeller once remarked, “and to use the money I make for the good of my fellow man.” By 1913, Rockefeller, a founder of the Standard Oil Company, had amassed an estimated $900 million and earned a tough reputation by aggressively reorganizing the Oil industry to give his company a virtual monopoly. The controversial tycoon later rehabilitated his reputation by supporting charitable causes. Paul Manship’s bust reflects the transformation, depicting a benign elderly gentleman rather than a ruthless industrialist.

Nacido en Richford, Nueva York

“Es mi deber ganar dinero y más dinero”, dijo John D. Rockefeller, “y usar ese dinero para el bien de mis semejantes”. Hacia 1913, Rockefeller, uno de los fundadores de la Standard Oil Company, había acumulado cerca de $900 millones y tenía fama de hombre duro por haber reorganizado radicalmente la industria petrolera para dar a su compañía un virtual monopolio. El polémico magnate rehabilitó luego su reputación apoyando causas benéficas. El busto de Paul Manship refleja esta transformación, mostrando a un benigno caballero entrado en años más que a un implacable industrial.

Paul Manship [1885-1966]; gift to National Collection of Fine Arts (now Smithsonian American Art Museum) 1965; transferred to NPG 1970