Alec N. Wildenstein
Alec Wildenstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Marseille, France |
| Died | February 18, 2008 (aged 67) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, art dealer, racehorse proprietor, horse breeder |
| Known for | Art dealership, thoroughbred horse racing |
Alec Nathan Marcel Wildenstein (5 August 1940 – 18 February 2008) was an American billionaire businessman of French origin, renowned as an art dealer, racehorse proprietor, and horse breeder.
Biography
Alec was born in Marseille to Daniel and Martine Julie (Kapferer) Wildenstein and grew up in New York City, where his family managed an art gallery. The family enterprise, established in 1875 by his great-grandfather, developed into a leading art dealership. His father, Daniel Wildenstein, gained recognition as a distinguished expert in impressionism. Following Daniel's passing in 2001, Alec inherited half of the family holdings, estimated at approximately US$10 billion, which included what was regarded as the largest private collection of significant artworks worldwide.
Horse racing
Wildenstein maintained ownership of thoroughbred horses competing in both flat and steeplechase events, alongside standardbreds for harness racing. His Ecurie Wildenstein stable engaged trainers such as Élie Lellouche and Dominique Sepulchre for flat racing, while Jean-Paul Gallorini and Marcel Rolland trained steeplechase horses. Prominent equine athletes under his ownership comprised:
- Bright Sky – victor of the Prix de Diane and Prix de l'Opéra
- Aquarelliste – winner of the Prix Vermeille, Prix de Diane, and Prix Ganay
- Westerner – champion in the Ascot Gold Cup, Prix du Cadran, Prix Royal-Oak, and recipient of the 2004 & 2005 European Champion Stayer titles
- Vallée Enchantée – triumphant in the Hong Kong Vase
In 2004, Kotkijet, a steeplechase horse co-owned with Jean-Pierre Dubois, achieved a second victory in the prestigious Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.
Personal life
The Wildenstein family acquired a 49% interest in Kenya's 66,000-acre Ol Jogi Ranch located in Laikipia District in 1977, eventually obtaining full ownership by 1985. Alec married Jocelyne Périsset in 1978, with whom he had two children: Diane and Alec Jr. Their highly publicized divorce proceedings from 1997 to 1999 exposed details concerning their lavish lifestyle and personal challenges. In 2000, he wed Liouba Stoupakova, a Russian-born model who outlived him.