Joseph Veach Noble Through the Eye of a Collector 

Born in Philadelphia, Joseph Veach Noble was not only a museum administrator and director, but also an avid collector and connoisseur of Greek and Roman antiquities, with a particular interest in ancient Greek ceramic vases. While he began his career in cinema, Noble was appointed Operating Administrator at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1956. He held that position until 1967, when he became The Met’s Vice-Director of Administration. In 1970, Noble founded the Museum of the City of New York where he served as Director until his retirement in 1985. At the age of 87, he died in West Orange, New Jersey.

At the time of the acquisition in 1986, the Noble Collection was thought to comprise the largest private collection of Athenian vases in North America. Focusing on Mr. Noble as a connoisseur, this exhibition explores what motivated Noble’s interests and fascinations with the different materials and mediums, styles and techniques of ancient art. Joseph Veach Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector is one of several new exhibitions dedicated to the Museum’s permanent collection that will be on view for long-term displays over the coming years.