Elisabeth Zogbaum papers regarding Franz Kline, 1928-1965
Zogbaum, Elisabeth Ross,
b. 1912
d. 2005
New York, N.Y.
Collection size: 12.1 linear feet
Collection Summary: Elisabeth Zogbaum's papers regarding Franz Kline including biographical material, personal and professional correspondence, writings, photographs, exhibition files, estate and legal documents, works of art, audio recordings, printed material, artifacts, and the records of the Franz Kline Foundation.
Biographical material includes address books and a copy of Franz Kline's will. Personal and professional correspondence includes copies of letters from Franz Kline to Elisabeth Zogbaum, and transcriptions of letters from Zogbaum to Kline. Professional correspondence is between Zogbaum and appraisers, Sotheby's, and the Museum of Modern Art, regarding the authentication of Kline's works of art and appraisals files. Additional letters include condolences on Kline's death from Grace Hartigan, Larry Rivers, Adlai E. Stevenson, and Jack Tworkov among others. Also included is a telegram invitation to inaugural ceremonies from President-elect, John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy.
Writings are by Zogbaum and include essays and presentations on Kline. Photographs are of Kline, family, friends, and works of art and include a photograph of Kline by Bert Stern for LIFE Magazine. Legal records include "Inventory of Paintings & Drawings" of Kline's work from the Allan Stone Gallery, with an exhibition history and buyers, and cards (A-M) of collectors of Kline's work. Exhibition files contain correspondence and lists of works for exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, 1981-1984 and the Mayer Gallery 1970-1977. Works of art include drawings by Kline and a painting to Franz Kline from Heddy Lamar, circa, 1959.
Also included are materials regarding the Franz Kline estate, including tax returns, lists of works of art, information regarding stolen works of art, sales reports and other legal documents. Audio recordings on 137 cassettes are with a variety of individuals and were compiled by Zogbaum as a part of research on Kline. Printed material includes exhibition catalogs and brochures. Published books, collected by Zogbaum, are on various artists. Artifacts include a metal lantern and model car, a tea pot, dominoes, a ring, among other items.Printed material includes auction catalogs, exhibition catalogs and brochures, and newspaper clippings.
Material regarding the Franz Kline Foundation includes incorporation papers and resolution to dissolve, documentation regarding funding sources, minutes of meetings and notes relating to the search for a director, and a list of damaged works of art.
Biographical/Historical Note: Elisabeth Zogbaum was a close friend and companion of painter Franz Kline. She was married to sculptor Wilfrid Meynell Zogbaum.
Material on reels D206-D207, books, and artifacts deposited 1965 by E. Ross Zogbaum (Mrs. Elisabeth Ross Zogbaum), Kline's close friend and companion. She donated additional material in 1991. In 2004, her son donated the material previously on deposit, and he donated the remaining papers in 2010. Portions of the printed material on reel D207 was transferred to the vertical files of the Smithsonian American Art Museum Library.
How to Use this Collection
- Portions of the collection are available on microfilm reels D206-D207 and are available for use only at Archives of American Art offices with written permission.
- Rufus Zogbaum retains copyright. AAA has been given a non-exclusive license to reproduce and display, excluding electronic products and website use.
- Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Microfilmed materials must be consulted on microfilm. Contact Reference Services for more information. ACCESS RESTRICTED; Written permission required.
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