Avery, Samuel Putnam

Avery, Samuel Putnam

(1822–1904) art connoisseur, philanthropist; born in New York City. He had little formal schooling, worked as an engraver of bank notes, became a wood engraver, and illustrated books. He established an art book publishing company (1865–88), collected engravings and etchings, and was one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum. He also endowed and built the Avery Architectural Library at Columbia College (1891).