Martin Antoine Ryerson, 1856-1932
Nationality: American
Date of Birth: 1856
Place of Birth: Grand Rapids, MI
Identity:
Martin Antoine Ryerson was a businessman, philanthropist and collector of French art, the son of Martin Ryerson (1818-1887) a millionaire lumber baron.
Life:
On graduating from Harvard University, Ryerson moved to Chicago to join his father's firm and he enjoyed a successful career in business. He also became a leading figure in the cultural life of Chicago and became a founding trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1880. This led to his becoming perhaps the most important donor to the Institute's collections and library (in 1901 he donated $50,000 to construct a new library building).
Bibliography:
Who Was Who in America, vol. 2, 1897-1941, Chicago, 1943.