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Catalog Data

Creator:
Greacen, Edmund W., 1876-1949  Search this
Names:
National Academy of Design (U.S.)  Search this
National Arts Club (New York, N.Y.)  Search this
Extent:
1.2 Linear feet
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Etchings
Photographs
Sketches
Date:
1987-1972
bulk 1905-1949
Summary:
The papers of American Impressionist painter Edmund Greacen measure 1.2 linear feet and date from 1897-1972, bulk 1905-1949. The collection consists of biographical information and correspondence both personal and professional in nature, pertaining to his career as well as Greacen's various affiliations including the National Academy of Design, the National Arts Club, the Manhattan School of Art, and the Grand Central School of Art. Writings by Greacen, including an essay, "The Origins of Landscape Painting," and an unpublished book titled "Logic in Drawing" elucidate his perspective on art traditions and art education. There are works of art including pencil drawings and drypoint etchings, as well as photographs depicting portraits of the artist, group portraits documenting Greacen's various academic and professional affiliations, and reproductions of works of art. Also included exhibition catalogs, brochures, and other printed material.
Scope and Contents:
The papers of American Impressionist painter Edmund Greacen measure 1.2 linear feet and date from 1897-1972, bulk 1905-1949. The collection consists of biographical information and correspondence both personal and professional in nature, pertaining to his career as well as Greacen's various affiliations including the National Academy of Design, the National Arts Club, the Manhattan School of Art, and the Grand Central School of Art. Writings by Greacen, including an essay, "The Origins of Landscape Painting," and an unpublished book titled "Logic in Drawing" elucidate his perspective on art traditions and art education. There are works of art including pencil drawings and drypoint etchings, as well as photographs depicting portraits of the artist, group portraits documenting Greacen's various academic and professional affiliations, and reproductions of works of art. Also included exhibition catalogs, brochures, and other printed material.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in five series: Series 1: Biographical and Professional (Box 1, Box 3) Series 2: Correspondence (Boxes 1-2) Series 3: Writings (Box 2) Series 4: Photographs (Boxes 2-3) Series 5: Artwork (Box 3, OV 4)
Biographical / Historical:
Edmund William Greacen (1876-1949) was an American Impressionist painter born in New York City. Greacen traveled extensively throughout Europe early in his career, which afforded him the opportunity to exhibit his work in Paris, and participate in the international art scene both abroad and in New York City. He is particularly known for his oil paintings on canvas and board depicting both human subjects and landscapes. In 1922 he was awarded the Samuel T. Shaw Prize from the Salmagundi Club following his solo show at the Macbeth Gallery. During his career, he was an active member of the Salmagundi Club, the National Academy of Design, and the National Arts Club where he served as Arts Committee Chair. He helped found the Manhattan School of Art as well as the Grand Central School of Art in 1923, and he served as director of both. He was also a member of the Old Lyme Art Colony of American Impressionists at Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Provenance:
The Edmund Greacen papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in 1971 by Mrs. Edmund Greacen, Jr., daughter-in-law of Edmund Greacen, and in 2017 by Elizabeth G. Knudsen, granddaughter of Edmund Greacen.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Occupation:
Art teachers -- New York (State) -- New York  Search this
Topic:
Art, American  Search this
Art -- Study and teaching  Search this
Drawing  Search this
Impressionism (Art)  Search this
Landscape painting  Search this
Painters -- New York (State) -- New York  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Etchings
Photographs
Sketches
Citation:
Edmund Greacen papers, 1897-1972, bulk 1905-1949. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier:
AAA.greaedmu
See more items in:
Edmund Greacen papers
Archival Repository:
Archives of American Art
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/mw9401d0077-9e53-473d-aa61-aa42f4f180b0
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-aaa-greaedmu