Alexander Reid Paintings

Alexander Reid was a Scottish art dealer and collector, known for his association with the Impressionists, particularly Vincent van Gogh and James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Born in 1854 in Glasgow, Scotland, Reid was a significant figure in the art world of his time, though not an artist himself. His contributions to the art market and his role in introducing the Impressionist movement to the United Kingdom were pivotal.

Reid's career in art began with his work at the Glasgow-based art dealership of his father, and later he joined the firm of Boussod, Valadon & Cie in Paris. It was there that he developed relationships with several leading artists of the day. Reid was particularly close to Vincent van Gogh, sharing an apartment with him for some time. This connection led to Reid's acquisition of several of van Gogh's paintings, some of which he later sold to collectors in Scotland.

Returning to Glasgow, Reid opened his own gallery, Alexander Reid & Lefevre Ltd, which became instrumental in promoting French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Reid was also known for his friendship with Whistler, whose works he collected and sold. He played a vital role in organizing Whistler's retrospective exhibition in Glasgow in 1901.

Reid's influence extended beyond Europe as he also contributed to the development of art collections in the United States and elsewhere. By the time of his death in 1928, Reid had established himself as one of the most important art dealers of his era, celebrated for his discerning eye and his efforts to champion the work of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. His legacy is reflected in the collections of major museums and in the history of international art dealing.