Albert Barnes: The Biography

Albert Coombs Barnes was a multifaceted figure whose life and legacy left an indelible mark on the worlds of art, education, and philanthropy. Born on January 2, 1872, in Philadelphia to working-class parents, Barnes grew up in challenging circumstances. His father, John J. Barnes, was a Civil War veteran who lost his right arm at the Battle of Cold Harbor and struggled to make ends meet with odd jobs, while his mother, Lydia A. Schaffer, instilled in him a deep sense of faith through her Methodist beliefs. Despite their modest means, Barnes excelled academically, graduating from Central High School at the age of 17 with an A.B. degree in 1889. It was here that he formed a lifelong friendship with William Glackens, who would later influence his foray into art collecting.