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Prints, circa 1936-1965, bulk: circa 1936-1947

 Sub-Series

Scope and Contents

Most of these photographs undoubtedly were printed from the negatives made by David Rosen. His New York logo is embossed on many of the prints. Unfortunately, unlike the negatives, which are all numbered so to correspond with the index cards, these prints are not identified as such. Therefore, the photographic technique employed is not always clear. Occasionally, however, an "I-R" is written on the backs of some of the mounted prints, probably indicating that the image was made with infrared photography. The prints offer a visual survey primarily of European art of the 15th to 19th century. For most of the artists, several of their works are documented, often with multiple images of each painting. Images depict various surface and substructure details, from an artist's signature to evidence of underpainting or canvas repair. Many panel paintings are examined and include images of cradles, a support once used to counter warping and shrinkage. Additional photographs supplied by other sources are also included.

Almost 38 prints, previously filed by various artists and titles, were transferred to the "Subjects" series as a "Writings" folder. With captions attached to the verso of each, these prints served as most of the figure illustrations to an article by Marceau, reprinted in the December 1953 Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society. Prints of other works of art remaining in this subseries also have captions or some type of didactic text attached. The intended use of these prints, however, could not be determined.

Dates

  • circa 1936-1965
  • Majority of material found within circa 1936-1947

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research, with the exception of film negatives and interpositives currently in cold storage. Access to this material is at the discretion of the Archivist.

Extent

From the Collection: 39 linear feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Arrangement

Works of art are identified according to the original attributions and titles, regardless of current designations. Files are arranged alphabetically by artist or object, and within each subgroup, alphabetically by title or other description. "Unidentifed" and "Various" works are filed last. File titles for prints that appear to have been made from Rosen's set of negatives, which comprise the third subseries, include a bracketed number that refers to his numerical coding of same. The number of prints per folder is given in parenthesis.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives Repository

Contact:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646 United States