Eakins, Thomas, b. 1844 d. 1916
Painter, Photographer, SculptorPhiladelphia, Pa. (Show Bio)
Thomas Eakins letters, 1866-1934
31 items (0.2 linear ft.)
Original letters from Eakin to family members and copies of miscellaneous other letters primarily documenting the period between 1866 and 1869 that Eakins spent studying art in Paris, as well as his career as a portrait artist.
Letters to his family include letters to Eakins' mother, father, future brother-in-law William ("Bill") Crowell, youngest sister Caroline ("Caddy"), and numerous letters to his younger sister Frances ("Fanny") Eakins Crowell. Eakins discusses his life in Paris, European political events such as the attempt to assassinate Emperor Alexander of Russia and rioting in Paris, working in Jean-Léon Gérôme's studio, and his opinions on Gérôme's artwork, including in a letter a sketch of the painting "Dante" (April 1, 1869). He also discusses Frederick DeBourg Richards and Thomas Couture, as well as his friendship with artist William ("Bill") Sartain who was also living in Paris at the time, and Fanny's friendship with Emily Sartain, also an artist. The November 8, 1866 illustrated letter to his mother is a photographic copy. Most of the letters are fragments with pages missing, and almost all include transcripts.
Miscellaneous letters include photographic copies of a fragment of an illustrated letter from artist Charles Lewis Fussell to Eakins, three letters from Eakins to former student John Laurie Wallace, and one letter, dated 1934, to Mr. Wallace from Susan Eakins, all transcribed. Photocopies of three letters from Eakins to William ("Bill") Hallowell, a friend and portrait subject are also included.
Location of Originals: Correspondence with J. Laurie Wallace: Originals in the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Neb.
Letters to William R. Hallowell: Originals returned to the lender, Irving Levitt, Detroit, Mich.
Photographic copies of 1866 letter from Fussell and letter to mother: Location of originals unknown.
Original letters were donated 1972 by Dr. Caroline Crowell, daughter of Fanny Eakins Crowell and neice of Thomas Eakins, via Prof. Marian Davis of the University of Texas. Copies were donated 1962-1963 by Irving Levitt, the Joslyn Art Museum, and Lawrence Fleischman.
How to Use this Collection
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