Mercer Times

John Wilmerding, professor of art and archaeology, emeritus, died June 6 in New York City. He was 86. A renowned scholar, curator, collector, philanthropist, prolific author, and beloved mentor, Wilmerding was a monumental force in American art history.

“It is easy enough to claim that someone’s contributions are incomparable, but in John’s case it is true,” said James Steward, the Nancy A. Nasher-David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976 Director of the Princeton University Art Museum. “I can think of no one who has done so much for American art both historic and modern, and for American museums, with as much wit, wisdom, and quiet good grace,” Steward added.

“He was an outsize figure in the field of American art, an inimitable teacher, and a lovely person,” said Rachael Z. DeLue, the Christopher Binyon Sarofim ’86 Professor in American Art and outgoing chair of the Department of Art & Archaeology.

In a 2018 interview for the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art, Wilmerding recounted advice he received to relegate the study of American art to his “back pocket” in favor of European art or risk being discredited. “I was determined to do American art, period, and take that chance,” he said.

His foresight would illuminate the study of American art history and help define the field fundamentally. Nathan Arrington described him as “a towering figure in the field and a transformative member of the department.”

As a curator and benefactor to museums beyond academia, his impact was profound. Steward noted: “Whether as a philanthropist whose gifts have enriched collections at the National Gallery of Art or here at Princeton or advising collectors such as Alice Walton in creating what is now Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, John’s generosity has left the world of art and museums a better place.”

Wilmerding earned his A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. from Harvard University before teaching at Dartmouth College until 1977. He served as curator of American art at the National Gallery of Art from 1977 to 1982 and then as its deputy director until 1988 when he joined Princeton.

At Princeton from 1988 to 2007 as Christopher Binyon Sarofim ‘86 Professor in American Art, Wilmerding established one of the leading programs for studying American art. He authored influential works on major 19th- and 20th-century artists like Fitz Henry Lane and Winslow Homer.

From 1992 to 1999 he chaired his department while actively participating in Princeton’s Program in American Studies. DeLue remarked: “His groundbreaking scholarship made my own work possible... letting the ‘next generation’ take the reins.”

During his tenure at Princeton, Wilmerding also served on various boards including those at Guggenheim Museum and National Gallery of Art among others.

The Shelburne Museum established The John Wilmerding Directorship Fund in 2021—the museum's first named position—honoring their grandson's legacy who also served as president of its Board of Trustees.

Wilmerding's instincts as a collector began during college with purchases like "Stage Rocks" by Lane followed by significant acquisitions including George Caleb Bingham’s "Mississippi Boatman." His collection filled gaps at institutions like The National Gallery which showcased it through exhibitions such as "American Masters from Bingham to Eakins."

Upon retiring from Princeton University in 2007 Wilmerding augmented its museum’s collection with substantial gifts memorializing his legacy further solidified by donations establishing positions like The John Wilmerding Curator Of American Art And Pavilion set To Open Next Year according To Steward Who Cited This Philanthropy As Vital For Scholarship At Princeton Karl Kusserow described Him As Erudite Insightful Accomplished Generous Fun Infectiously Curious With Interests Ranging From Lane To Lady Gaga

During His Tenure At Princeton Students Benefitted From His Mentorship Many Maintaining Contact Mark Mitchell Yale University Described It As Foundational While Justin Wolff University Of Maine Noted His Generosity And Humor DeLue Recalled How His Wit Lightened Faculty Meetings Or Supported Junior Colleagues

Wilmerding Is Survived By Sister Lila Kirkland Brother James Webb Three Nieces And Nephews Comments On Memorial Page Honor Life Legacy