Benjamin Altman (1840 – 1913) was born and died in New York City. He was the son of Bavarian Jews who emigrated to America in 1835 and opened a small store on Attorney Street. In 1865 Altman founded B. Altman & Co., opening a store on Third Avenue and 10th Street. In 1906 he moved the business to Fifth Ave. and 34th St., and Michael Friedsam joined the firm of B. Altman & Co. Altman was an avid collector of Rembrandt paintings. Upon his death he donated the collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He founded the Altman Foundation shortly before his death.
