Maximilian Toch

Born in New York in 1864, Maximilian Toch was an American industrial chemist and paint manufacturer whose work connected science with art and building materials. He became known for developing a concrete filler method used in the construction of the Panama Canal, and he was also closely involved with the family paint business and related manufacturing work.

Toch wrote extensively about pigments, paints, varnishes, and the long-term stability of artworks. Books such as Materials for Permanent Painting and The Chemistry and Technology of Mixed Paints show his interest in making technical knowledge useful for artists, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors alike.

He was also known as an expert on the authenticity and preservation of paintings, which gave his writing a practical edge that still feels distinctive today. Maximilian Toch died in 1946, leaving behind a body of work that sits at the crossroads of chemistry, industry, and the care of art.