Koehler, S. R. (Sylvester Rosa), b. 1837 d. 1900

Sylvester Rosa Koehler papers, 1833-1904 (bulk 1870-1890)

5.3 linear ft. (on 13 microfilm reels)
Reel(s): D30, D182-D191, 3533-3534

The collection consists primarily of Koehler's extensive correspondence to and from many notable artists and printmakers such as Jean F. Harfin, John M. Falconer, Frederick Juengling, and James D. Smillie, as well as friends, and family members and professional correspondence concerning Koehler's activities as a writer, curator, and editor of the American Art Review. The collection also contains financial records and other miscellaneous items.

Correspondence includes hundreds of letters to and from Koehler. Correspondents include many prominent artists, engravers, architects, art critics, curators, historians, journalists, authors, educators, publishers, and others during the late 1800s. Also found is correspondence with family, most of which is in German. Much of the correspondence concerns Koehler's role as editor of the publication American Art Review, and his work promoting American graphic arts.

Financial Records include Koehler's receipts, primarily from 1885, and a handwritten estimate of costs for publishing the American Art Review. Miscellany includes biographical information on the wood engraver, Alexander Anderson, various notes by unidentified authors, news clippings, programs and handwritten song texts for music performances.

Material on reels D182-D191 and 3533-3534 bought in 1959 from the Argosy Book Store. Approximately 400 letters of the 1959 purchase were also later microfilmed on reels 3533-3534. Material on reel D30 donated by Charles E. Feinberg, an active donor and friend of AAA. In 2005, the entire collection was processed according to archival standards and the current arrangement does not match the arrangement on microfilm.

How to Use this Collection

• Microfilm reels D30, D182-D191, 3533-3534 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
• Please read the Finding Aid for more detailed information on this collection.
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