How Did J.P. Morgan Spend His Money?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 11, 2023

J.P. Morgan bought and collected art that was equal in value to about two-thirds of his estate or 900 million dollars today. Much of the art he purchased was obtained during the last two decades of his life. After his death, his son, J.P. Morgan Jr., donated a large portion of his father’s collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

J.P. Morgan was especially fond of Islamic art and other Islamic objects such as carpets, Ottoman tile panels and enameled glass. He also had a large collection of media, which consisted of printed books and manuscripts. Before he died, J.P. Morgan was quoted as saying, “No price is too high for an object of unquestioned beauty and known authenticity.”