Eliezer Levi Montefiore facts for kids
Eliezer Levi Montefiore (born 1820 – died 22 October 1894) was an important figure in Australian art. He was a businessman who loved art, and he became the very first director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Montefiore was born in Barbados. His father, Isaac Jacob Levi, was a merchant. His mother, Esther Hannah Montefiore, was a cousin of the famous Sir Moses Montefiore. Eliezer's older brother, Jacob Levi Montefiore, was also a well-known person who served in the government of New South Wales. Both brothers decided to use the name "Levi Montefiore."
Early Life and Art Passion
Eliezer Montefiore was very passionate about art. He arrived in Adelaide, Australia, around 1843. In 1848, he married his cousin, Esther Hannah Barrow Montefiore, in Adelaide.
In 1853, Eliezer and Esther moved to Melbourne. There, Eliezer managed the Melbourne office of his brother Jacob's business, Montefiore, Graham & Co. Later, he became the secretary of an insurance company. Even though he had business roles, his real interests were in books and art.
Supporting the Arts
Montefiore actively supported the arts. In 1870, he helped start the Victorian Academy of Arts. He even gave out awards for the Academy at the Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition.
Eliezer Montefiore was also a talented artist himself. He created and published his own sketches and etchings. In 1875, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of New South Wales.
Leading the Art Gallery
After moving to Sydney, Montefiore played a key role in creating the New South Wales Academy of Art. This academy later became known as the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He worked with his friend Thomas Sutcliffe Mort on this important project.
In 1892, Eliezer Levi Montefiore became the first director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He held this important position until he passed away in 1894.
Final Journey
In August 1894, just before his death, Montefiore traveled to Melbourne and Adelaide. He went there to look at artworks that could be exchanged with the NSW Art Gallery. He died in Woollahra, Sydney, on 22 October 1894.
Today, Montefiore Crescent, a street in the Canberra suburb of Conder, is named after him. This honors his contributions to art and culture in Australia.
