Publications
This accession consists of exhibition catalogs (both traveling and in-house), brochures, pamphlets, illustrated checklists, and other publications created around a specific themes or genres drawn from the collections in the National Portrait Gallery.
Allan Frumkin Gallery records
1944-2016
The records of the Allan Frumkin Gallery, a Chicago and New York City gallery, measure 25.6 linear feet and date from 1944-2016 with one letter pertaining to artwork documentation dating from 1880. The collection documents the gallery's activities through administrative files, dealer and client correspondence, artist files, financial records, gallery newsletters, printed material, and photographic material. Artist files represent over one-third of the collection and provide insight into the close relationship between Frumkin and many of the gallery's major artists including Robert Arneson, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Jack Beal, Joan Brown, Colin Lanceley, Maryan, Roberto Matta, Philip Pearlstein, Peter Saul, H.C. Westermann, and William T. Wiley. Also included in the collection are the Frumkin Family papers, consisting of writings by Allan and wife Jean Martin Frumkin, editorial copy of Art Book Review, personal papers, and material relating to the Frumkin personal art collection and estate.
Associated American Artists records
The records of the Associated American Artists measure 55 linear feet and date from circa 1934 through 1983. The organization was founded in 1934 to stimulate interest in prints throughout the United States by promoting the sale of prints through department stores and other venues. Later, other genres of works of art were added and the department store abandoned in favor of a New York headquarters. The records contain voluminous files on artists; dealers, galleries, and museums; and clients. Also found is business correspondence, financial records, sales and exhibition catalogs, thirteen dismantled scrapbooks, and posters.
Records
This accession includes records documenting the production of the Archives of American Art Journal (Volumes 24-26). Materials include Editor's records such as correspondence, publications, notes, grant proposals, agreements, budget summaries, photographs, and reports. Also included in this accession are records which document the administration of the Archives of American Art (AAA …
Macbeth Gallery records
1838-1968
bulk 1892-1953
The Macbeth Gallery records provide almost complete coverage of the gallery's operations from its inception in 1892 to its closing in 1953. Through extensive correspondence files, financial and inventory records, printed material, scrapbooks, reference and research material, and photographs of artists and works of art, the records document all aspects of the gallery's activities, charting William Macbeth's initial intention to lease his store "for the permanent exhibition and sale of American pictures" through over sixty years of success as a major New York firm devoted to American art. The collection measures 131.6 linear feet and dates from 1838 to 1968 with the bulk of the material dating from 1892 to 1953.
Subject Files
This accession consists of records documenting the activities of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) during the tenure of Director Marc Pachter (2000-2007), but also includes records from the tenures of Directors Charles Nagel (1964-1969), Marvin S. Sadik (1969-1981), and Alan Maxwell Fern (1982-2000). Topics covered include cultural affairs, exhibitions, legislation, strategic planning, the Patent …
Julian E. Levi papers
The papers of painter and teacher Julian E. (Edwin) Levi date from 1846 to 1981, and comprise 6.9 linear feet. They include biographical information and extensive correspondence with museums and galleries, as well as letters written to his family, circa 1927, while Levi was living in Paris. Also found within the papers are scattered drawings and sketches by Levi, writings and notes, financial records, two scrapbooks, printed material, miscellaneous records and photographs that document Levi's professional career and personal life.
Publicity Records
This accession consists of records that describe all aspects of the National Portrait Gallery's publicity efforts through the former Office of Public Affairs, now called the Office of External Affairs, particularly the planning and execution of events associated with exhibitions or portrait presentations, such as receptions, dinners, performances, symposia, and …
Acquisition Records (Declined)
This accession consists of records documenting declined artwork offered by artists, private collectors, dealers, art galleries, foundations, corporations, and through estates and loans to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Earlier records date back to when the museum was known as the National Museum of American Art and the National Collection …
Master, Exhibition, and Project Drawings
This accession consists of master, exhibition, and project drawings created by the Department of Design and Production. The master drawings consist of drawings to which can be added those structures, details, etc. needed to generate specific exhibit or project drawings. These drawings are arranged numerically by gallery or room number …
