William Sturgis Bigelow

William Sturgis Bigelow 1850 1926

William Sturgis Bigelow (April 4, 1850 – October 6, 1926) was an American physician and collector of Japanese art. He is best known for his significant contributions to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and his role in introducing Japanese culture to the United States.

Early Life and Education

William Sturgis Bigelow was born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a prominent family. He was the son of Henry Jacob Bigelow, a renowned surgeon, and Katharine Bigelow. He attended Harvard College, where he graduated in 1871. He then pursued medical studies at the Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1874.

Career

After completing his medical education, Bigelow traveled to Europe to further his studies. He spent time in Paris, where he studied under the famous French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Upon returning to the United States, he practiced medicine in Boston for a brief period.

Interest in Japanese Culture

In 1882, Bigelow traveled to Japan, where he spent seven years immersing himself in Japanese culture and art. During his stay, he became a close friend of Ernest Fenollosa, another prominent American scholar of Japanese art. Bigelow collected a vast array of Japanese artworks, including Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ceramics.

Contributions to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Bigelow's extensive collection of Japanese art became the foundation of the Japanese art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His donations significantly enriched the museum's holdings and helped establish it as one of the leading institutions for Japanese art in the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

Bigelow returned to the United States in 1889 and continued to promote Japanese culture and art. He was a member of several cultural and academic organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Japan Society of Boston. He passed away on October 6, 1926, in Boston.

Bigelow's legacy lives on through his contributions to the appreciation and understanding of Japanese art in the Western world. His efforts played a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.

See Also

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• Ernest Fenollosa
• Japanese art
• Harvard Medical School