National Collection of Fine Arts research material on Romaine Brooks, 1874-1969
National Collection of Fine Arts (U.S.),
Collection size: 0.9 linear ft. (489 items on 1 microfilm reel)
Collection Summary: Research material used in preparation for an exhibition and catalog, "Romaine Brooks: Thief of Souls," written by Adelyn Breeskin, curator of contemporary art at the National Collection of Fine Arts.
The collection mainly consists of Brooks' autobiography, ca. 1938, "No Pleasant Memories"; a typescript by Brooks, undated, "A War Interlude or on the Hills of Florence During the War" (147 p.); and a scrapbook containing clippings and exhibition catalogs, ca. 1910-1935. Also found are printed material, ca. 1920-1968, by and about Brooks, including a poem by Brooks in the book "Poems and Poemes" by Natalie Clifford Barney, and exhibition catalogs, 1910, 1925 and 1935; clippings, ca. 1923-1968; notes on Brooks' chronology, undated; photographs, 1874, ca. 1924-1935 and undated, of Brooks, including one by Carl Van Vechten, of Brooks' family, and of her works of art, including illustrations for "No Pleasant Memories"; and a file containing a poem about Brooks by friend Gabriele d'Annunzio "Sur une Image de la France Croisee peinte par Romaine Brooks," 1915.
Biographical/Historical Note: Brooks was a portrait painter. Born Beatrice Romaine Goddard, Rome, Italy 1874. Died in Nice, France, Dec. 7, 1970. Adelyn Breeskin curated an exhibition of her work, held at the National Collection of Fine Arts Feb. 24 - Apr. 4, 1971, and at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Apr. 9 -May, 1971.
Papers were transferred from the National Museum of American Art (formerly National Collection of Fine Arts) in 1986. Dr. Richard Wunder, Curator of Paintings visited Brooks in France in 1966 and returned with "No Pleasant Memories." Dr. David Scott, former director of NCFA had the scrapbook sent in 1967. Richard Schaubeck inherited the copyright to "No Pleasant Memories" upon the death of Frank Hallman who purchased the literary rights to the manuscript in 1974.
How to Use this Collection
- Microfilm reel 5134 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
- "No Pleasant Memories": Authorization to quote, publish or reproduce must be obtained from Richard Schaubeck, 12 West 76th St., New York, N.Y. 10023.
- Patrons must use microfilm copy. CLOSED TO RESEARCHERS FOR PROCESSING AND DIGITIZATION
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