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  • Karshan, Donald H., b. 1929 d. 2003

    Collector, Curator
    New York, N.Y. (Show Bio)

    Donald H. Karshan papers relating to Alexander Archipenko, 1920-1973

    1.8 linear ft.

    Papers relating to work Karshan did as curator of the Archipenko collection and director of the Archipenko archive. Exhibition files include records concerning University of California, Los Angeless Alexander Archipenko Memorial Exhibition, 1967-1969, that traveled throughout the United States; an expanded version of the show was circulated in Europe by the Smithsonian Institution. The collection also contains general correspondence relating to the administration of the Archipenko Collection and Archipenko Archive, Leopold Survage, and writings on Archipenkos work and life by Karshan with related correspondence.

    Exhibition files, 1960-1972, n.d., include correspondence, photographs, and printed matter relating to UCLAs Alexander Archipenko Memorial Exhibition, 1967-1969 at its various venues in the United States and its European tour sponsored by International Art Program of the Smithsonian Institution. There are similar records for Archipenko: The Parisian Years, an exhibition organized by the Museum of Modern Art.

    General Correspondence, 1966-1973, relates to the Archipenko Collection and the Archipenko Archive, administered by Karshan and includes loan and reference requests, publication permissions, and sales information. Of particular interest is a file on Leopold Survage compiled in 1969 and documenting an attempt to purchase a Survage painting for Mrs. Arhcipenko to donate to the Museum of Modern Art; included is reference material consisting of photocopies of Archipenkos letters to Survage and a letter from Theodore Doesburg, 1920-1963, n.d., printed matter, and photographs.

    Writings by Donald H. Karshan, 1966-1968, consist of research notes and correspondence concerning his catalogue raisonné of Archipenko prints (1974). Also included are manuscripts of published articles and correspondence with editors.

    Donated 1982 by Mrs. Frances Archipenko Gray as part of the Alexander Archipenko Papers and later separated into a distinct collection.

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