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Major Henry Lee Higginson 1834–1919
Inspired by orchestras in European cities, the banker Henry Lee Higginson founded the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1881. For many years, he was its only financial benefactor. Higginson's philanthropy was motivated by a generous democratic purpose: "to give orchestral concerts of the best attainable character and quality at a price which should admit anyone and everyone," particularly those with little access to education or the arts. Higginson was also a trustee of the New England Conservatory of Music and a benefactor of Harvard University.
A shared love of music brought Sargent and Higginson together, and the artist relied on the banker for financial advice. Sargent made this charcoal portrait as a gift for his friend. The scar on Higginson's right cheek marks an injury he sustained in 1863 while fighting in the Civil War Battle of Aldie as a Union army officer.
Charcoal on paper, 1911
Harvard Art Museums / Fogg Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts; gift of Cecile Higginson Murphy
This is the National Portrait Gallery sign in the exhibit. |