Alec Wildenstein was a French-American businessman, art dealer, and member of the wealthy Wildenstein family. He was born on August 5, 1940, in New York City to a family of prominent art dealers. Alec's father, Daniel Wildenstein, was a renowned art historian and dealer who had built the family's business into a global empire.
Alec Wildenstein's early life was marked by privilege and exposure to the art world. He grew up surrounded by masterpieces and was educated at the best schools. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he married Jocelyn Perisse, a beautiful and ambitious woman who would later become a central figure in a high-profile divorce case. The couple had two children, Diane and Alec Jr., but their marriage was tumultuous and ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1999.
Key Points
- Alec Wildenstein was a member of the wealthy Wildenstein family of art dealers.
- He was born in New York City in 1940 and grew up surrounded by art.
- Alec's marriage to Jocelyn Perisse ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1999.
- The divorce case revealed Alec's lavish spending habits and led to a significant reduction in his wealth.
- Alec Wildenstein passed away on February 16, 2008, at the age of 67, due to complications from prostate cancer.
Alec Wildenstein’s Art Dealing Career
Alec Wildenstein’s career in the art world was marked by both success and controversy. He was known for his keen eye for art and his ability to spot emerging talent. However, he was also criticized for his aggressive business tactics and his role in the looting of Jewish-owned art during World War II. Alec’s father, Daniel Wildenstein, had been accused of collaborating with the Nazis and selling looted art, and Alec himself was sued by several families who claimed that he had sold them forgeries.
Alec Wildenstein’s Personal Life
Alec Wildenstein’s personal life was also subject to scrutiny. His marriage to Jocelyn Perisse was marked by allegations of infidelity and domestic violence. The couple’s divorce case was highly publicized, with Jocelyn claiming that Alec had a net worth of over 600 million and seeking a significant settlement. The case ultimately ended with Alec being ordered to pay Jocelyn 2.5 billion, one of the largest divorce settlements in history.
| Year | Event | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Divorce from Jocelyn Perisse | $600 million |
| 2001 | Settlement of divorce case | $2.5 billion |
| 2008 | Death of Alec Wildenstein | $100 million |
Alec Wildenstein’s Legacy
Alec Wildenstein’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, he was a prominent figure in the art world and played a significant role in shaping the market for modern and contemporary art. On the other hand, his personal life was marked by controversy and scandal, and his business practices were often criticized as unethical. Despite his flaws, Alec Wildenstein remains a fascinating figure, and his story continues to captivate art lovers and scholars around the world.
What was Alec Wildenstein’s net worth at the time of his death?
+Alec Wildenstein’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around 100 million, a significant reduction from his peak net worth of over 600 million.
What was the most significant factor in Alec Wildenstein’s financial downfall?
+The most significant factor in Alec Wildenstein’s financial downfall was his lavish spending habits and poor business decisions, including his involvement in several high-profile lawsuits and his payment of a $2.5 billion divorce settlement to his ex-wife Jocelyn Perisse.
What is Alec Wildenstein’s lasting impact on the art world?
+Alec Wildenstein’s lasting impact on the art world is complex and multifaceted. While he was a prominent figure in the market for modern and contemporary art, his business practices were often criticized as unethical, and his involvement in several high-profile lawsuits has left a lasting stain on his reputation.