John Rettig papers

Scope and Contents

Biographical materials including passport, business card, and membership cards; correspondence, ca. 1887-1965, including letters from Frank Duveneck and Auguste Rodin; writings; inventories of works of art; lists of picture owners and exhibition visitors; list of contents of his Dutch room in Ohio; one painting by Rettig and a sketch of Rettig by Edward Henry Potthast; 2 sketchbooks; financial records, ca. 1902-1909; exhibition catalogs, ca. 1896-1965; 15 reproductions of his art works; 5 theater programs featuring Rettig's set designs; newspaper clippings and magazine articles featuring Rettig and others, ca. 1840-1957; printed miscellany; and photographs of Rettig in his studios, in Holland with his models, and of his art work.

Biographical / Historical

Painter, set designer; Cincinnati, Ohio. Best known for his elaborate set designs and Dutch paintings. Attended the Cincinnati Art School receiving a diploma in decorative design in 1875. Traveled widely and utilized knowledge gained abroad for the creation of his historical shows, such as "The Fall of Babylon" and "Montezuma or the Conquest of Mexico." Some were produced under contract with Barnum and Bailey. During the latter part of his life, he and his wife frequently visited Volendam, Holland; sights there figure in his paintings of the period. After years of collecting Dutch artifacts, the Rettigs created an authentic Dutch room in their home in Ohio.