Lessing J. Rosenwald 1930

James McBey made this print of Lessing J. Rosenwald, an American businessman, philanthropist, and collector of rare books and art. This portrait gives us insight into the social and intellectual circles of the early to mid-20th century. Rosenwald’s philanthropy supported education, particularly for African Americans in the Jim Crow South, through the Rosenwald Fund. The Fund’s support for schools and universities played a crucial role in the advancement of civil rights. This image invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in patronage and the responsibilities of wealthy individuals in addressing social inequalities. It highlights the complex relationship between art, wealth, and social reform during this period. Further research into the Rosenwald Fund, McBey’s artistic career, and period sources can deepen our understanding of this portrait. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.