# Andrew W. Mellon

> American diplomat, banker, businessman, industrialist, philanthropist, and art collector (1855–1937)

**Wikidata**: [Q446858](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q446858)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Mellon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andrew-w-mellon

## Summary
Andrew W. Mellon was a prominent American diplomat, banker, businessman, industrialist, philanthropist, and art collector who played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. economy and cultural institutions. Born in 1855, Mellon served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and founded the National Gallery of Art, leaving a lasting legacy in finance, diplomacy, and the arts.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 24, 1855
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: University of Pittsburgh
- **Known for**: Founding the National Gallery of Art, serving as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and establishing the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- **Employer(s)**: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Mellon Financial
- **Field(s)**: Finance, diplomacy, philanthropy, art collection

## Contributions
- **National Gallery of Art**: Founded in 1937 through Mellon's philanthropy, housing a world-class collection of Western and American art.
- **U.S. Secretary of the Treasury**: Served from 1921 to 1932, implementing tax policies and financial reforms that shaped the U.S. economy during the early 20th century.
- **Mellon Financial**: Co-founded the financial institution that became a global leader in banking and asset management.
- **Andrew W. Mellon Foundation**: Established posthumously in 1969, supporting higher education, scholarly research, and the arts.
- **Art Collection**: Assembled a vast collection of European and American art, later donated to the National Gallery of Art.

## FAQs
**What were Andrew W. Mellon's primary occupations?**  
Mellon was a banker, diplomat, businessman, industrialist, philanthropist, and art collector, best known for his roles as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and founder of the National Gallery of Art.

**What institutions did Andrew W. Mellon establish?**  
He founded the National Gallery of Art in 1937 and posthumously inspired the creation of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in 1969. He also co-founded Mellon Financial, a major banking institution.

**What was Andrew W. Mellon's role in the U.S. government?**  
Mellon served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932, overseeing tax reforms and financial policies during a period of significant economic growth and later the Great Depression.

**What is Andrew W. Mellon's legacy in the arts?**  
Mellon's donation of his art collection and funding for the National Gallery of Art established one of the world's premier art museums, ensuring public access to iconic works by artists such as da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

**What industries was Andrew W. Mellon involved in?**  
Mellon was influential in finance through Mellon Financial, in diplomacy as a U.S. Treasury Secretary, and in industry through his involvement with Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer.

## Why They Matter
Andrew W. Mellon's multifaceted career profoundly impacted American finance, diplomacy, and culture. His financial policies as Treasury Secretary influenced economic stability, while his philanthropy transformed the arts landscape through the National Gallery of Art. The Mellon Foundation's support for education and research continues to shape intellectual and cultural institutions globally. Without Mellon, the U.S. financial system, cultural accessibility, and philanthropic efforts in the arts and education would lack key foundational elements.

## Notable For
- **Founding the National Gallery of Art**: A premier cultural institution in the United States.
- **Serving as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury**: Shaping early 20th-century economic policy.
- **Establishing the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation**: Supporting education, humanities, and the arts.
- **Co-founding Mellon Financial**: A global leader in banking and asset management.
- **Philanthropy and Art Collection**: Donating a world-class art collection to public institutions.
- **Industrial Leadership**: Involvement with Alcoa, a dominant force in the aluminum industry.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Andrew W. Mellon was born on March 24, 1855, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, laying the groundwork for his future business and financial acumen.

### Career in Finance and Industry
Mellon co-founded Mellon Financial, which became a cornerstone of the U.S. banking sector. His industrial ventures included significant involvement with Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer, solidifying his influence in both finance and industry.

### Government Service
As U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932, Mellon implemented tax reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth. His policies, including the Revenue Act of 1926, reduced tax rates while increasing federal revenues, reflecting his belief in fostering private enterprise.

### Philanthropy and the Arts
Mellon's philanthropic efforts culminated in the founding of the National Gallery of Art in 1937, established through his donation of a substantial art collection and financial endowment. This institution has since become a global cultural landmark, housing works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh.

### Legacy and Posthumous Impact
After Mellon's death on August 26, 1937, his legacy extended through the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, created in 1969. The foundation supports higher education, museums, and the humanities, ensuring Mellon's impact on arts and scholarship endures.

### Affiliated Institutions and Entities
Mellon's influence is evident in institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the National Gallery of Art. His connections to notable figures like David E. Finley, Jr., and John Russell Pope further underscore his role in shaping American cultural and financial history.

### Art Collection and Cultural Contributions
Mellon's art collection, featuring masterpieces such as *Ginevra de' Benci* and *Lucretia*, formed the nucleus of the National Gallery of Art's holdings. His commitment to public access to art has left a lasting legacy, democratizing cultural engagement in the United States.

### Industrial and Financial Leadership
Through Mellon Financial and Alcoa, Mellon played a pivotal role in the development of the U.S. financial and industrial sectors. His leadership in these areas contributed to the growth of the American economy in the early 20th century.

### Recognition and Honors
Mellon's contributions were recognized through his appointment as a diplomat and his receipt of the American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal, among other accolades, reflecting his broad impact across multiple fields.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
3. The Peerage
4. Union List of Artist Names. 2018
5. [Source](http://research.frick.org/directoryweb/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=6787)
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16. Croatian Encyclopedia
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb15537493z)
19. BabelNet
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21. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
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