Fiske Kimball: A Biographical Sketch

Triumph on Fairmount


George and Mary Robert's Triumph on Fairmount: Fiske Kimball and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (1959) is based roughly on Kimball's autobiographical jottings, and it provides an anecdotal history of his long and successful tenure at the Museum. This photographic portrait by Arnold Newman on the book's dust jacket shows Kimball in a casual but commanding pose amidst packing crates for works of art and a piece of modern sculpture by Brancusi.

The Colonial Chain

The photograph (courtesy of Jack Robertson) shows Lemon Hill, the house in which Fiske and Marie lived from 1927 until 1955. This dwelling is located adjacent to the museum. Lemon Hill, constructed in 1799, formed a link in the Museum's "colonial chain"of historic structures.

Notable Collections and Donors

One of the most distinguished aspects of Kimball's long career at the Museum is the list of notable collections of works of art he secured. These included:


• Edmond Foulc collection of 15th- and 16th- century sculpture, furnishings, and artifacts (1929)
• Mrs. Thomas Eakins studio collection of the artist's paintings, drawings, and photographs (1929-1930)
• Mrs. John D. Rockefeller collection of Japanese prints Eleanor Elkins Rice collection of European decorative arts (1939)
• A. E. Gallatin collection of modern painting and sculpture (1943)
• Samuel H. Kress Foundation collection of Italian paintings (1950)
• Louise and Walter Arensberg collection of Pre-Columbian art (1953).

Life and Accomplishments at the University of Virginia, 1919-1923

Shack Mountain

Other Architectural Designs

Director, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1925-1955

Contributions to Architectural Restoration

Culmination and Legacy