There has always been an important affinity between great museums and distinguished connoisseurs of art. It is a relationship of mutual enrichment but one of special importance to the museums, since traditionally they gain their finest treasures from enlightened and generous collectors. So it has been in the association of The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Jayne and Charles Wrightsman, who, in a relatively short period of time—beginning in 1952—amassed the finest private collection in America of the decorative arts of the ancien r?gime. Mr. Wrightsman was first elected to the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan in 1956; upon his retirement in 1975 he was made Trustee Emeritus and Mrs. Wrightsman was elected to the Board.