Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 1998. [Vol. 5.] Eger Journal of American Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 25)

Studies - András Csillag: Joseph Pulitzer, Master Journalist and Benefactor

in his private collection, his relationship with artists as well as in the great benefactions made to the New York Philharmonic Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in his last will. When in the fall of 1886, the renowned Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy arrived in New York to present his magnificent canvas "Christ Before Pilate" to the general public in the United States, Pulitzer helped to ensure a most enthusiastic reception in his honor. Not only his paper, The World, wrote in admiration about Munkácsy's work but Pulitzer also did his best to praise the Hungarian artist's merits at public gatherings and events. At one of the receptions in his honor he said, "We have met tonight to honor Mr. Mihály Munkácsy because he is a great artist and also because he is a stranger in this great republic and needs a hospitable welcome ... We welcome you sir, because true Americans, having no aristocracy, are ready to worship the aristocracy of virtue and the royalty of genius." (Quoted by Swanberg, 125.) Subsequently Pulitzer commissioned Munkácsy to paint his wife's portrait. The best known portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Pulitzer were painted by the American artist John Singer Sargent. Pulitzer was also modeled by the sculptor Auguste Rodin. When his eyesight deteriorated, as with most blind people, melody became a solace. Piano music especially appealed to him; he went to concerts and listened to great players whenever possible. Now and then Paderewski would pay him a visit and there would be a carnival of piano playing in his house. His group of secretaries always included one excellent pianist, whose duties were by no means easy and whose slightest error in technique met with instant and fierce rebuke. The permanent fund of half a million dollars was established for the Philharmonic Society of New York in his will directing "that the income from such fund shall be applied and used to perfect the present orchestra, and to place it on a more independent basis, and to increase the number of concerts to be given in the city of New York, which additional concerts, I hope, will not have too severely classical programs, and to be open to the public at reduced rates, and to recognize my favorite composers: Beethoven, Wagner and Liszt." (Quoted by Seitz, 464). Pulitzer's bequest to the Philharmonic was the natural result of his liking for good music. He had helped it before by subscription and a substantial donation. 15