Art and Design

G. David Thompson (American, 1899-1965) was a prominent American businessman and internationally recognized art collector whose philanthropic support of American art museums formed a lasting legacy. Having built substantial wealth in the banking and steel sectors, Thompson's early museum donations in the 1940s were to the Carnegie Institute (now Carnegie Museum of Art) in his adopted hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thompson ultimately donated more than 100 works to the Institute's collections, leaving a significant mark on its modern art holdings. In the 1950s, Thompson also became involved with the Museum of Modern Art in New York, donating a series of major works and financial support to the institution over a decade. Thompson served on MoMA's Collections Committee and was elected a museum trustee in 1960; he held both roles for the rest of his life. In May 1961, One Hundred Paintings from the G. David Thompson Collection opened at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, a recognition of both the importance of Thompson's collecting efforts and the relationships he has built in the museum world.The present lot was originally installed in Thompson's home, apparently custom designed for the space (as was the large Ecuadorian carpet in the same room). In the May 16, 1960 issue of Life magazine, the present lot may be seen in its lower-height configuration. Thompson and his wife Helene are in the photo with a gathering of friends seated around the table; several Léger oil paintings and a Mondrian canvas frame the scene. Thompson carefully considered the decorative arts objects that were placed near his fine art collection, and the table in the present lot was no exception.