As it sometimes is with great performers, their creative talents and interests extend beyond their primary work. And, in fact, the early 1940s marked the beginning of Greta Garbo's interest in studying and collecting artwork. It began with a temporary visit to New York City.

Though the story accompanying her initial painting acquisitions is in some dispute, there is confirmation that the first purchases by her were those of Renoir and Bonnard. A concentrated two week initiation from a concerned New York art dealer in 1942 provided her with almost everything she needed to know about buying fine art.

Beyond the aesthetic consideration, the strategy to begin collecting art was a safe place for Greta to put her money during the years of World War Two. After returning home to Southern California she chose to not display her new art, but to store the paintings in one of the closets in her Beverly Hills home. Displaying all her art work would really begin after her permanent relocation to New York City where her passion for furnishing her final hotel residence at 450 East 52 nd Street became a priority.

By Jesse Y.