Francis Martin Drexel Paintings

Francis Martin Drexel was an Austrian-American banker, artist, and the father of the famous Drexel banking family. Born on April 7, 1792, in Dornbirn, Austria, he showed an early inclination towards art. He studied painting in Switzerland and Italy before ultimately establishing a career as a portrait painter. Drexel achieved a measure of success in his home country, but political upheaval and economic circumstances eventually led him to emigrate to the United States in 1817.

Settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel continued to work as a portrait painter and became quite accomplished. His portraits were known for their detail and the lifelike quality he captured in his subjects. He painted notable figures of the time, including Stephen Girard, one of the wealthiest men in America. Drexel's art career, however, would eventually take a backseat to his financial ventures.

In 1837, Francis Martin Drexel founded a banking firm, Drexel & Co., which would become a cornerstone of the American financial industry. The firm expanded under his leadership and later under the stewardship of his sons, especially Anthony J. Drexel. It was his son Anthony who transformed the small firm into a major investment bank, Drexel, Morgan & Co., which later became J.P. Morgan & Co. after a merger with J. Pierpont Morgan's company.

Francis Martin Drexel's legacy extends beyond his contributions to art and finance. His descendants continued to influence both fields, and the Drexel name is associated with philanthropy and education, most notably through Drexel University in Philadelphia. Francis Martin Drexel passed away on June 5, 1863, in Philadelphia, but his impact on American banking and his artistic works remain part of his enduring legacy.