Peter and Rose Krasnow papers, 1914-1984

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A Finding Aid to the Peter and Rose Krasnow Papers, 1914-1984, in the Archives of American Art, by Erin Townsend

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Table of Contents:

• Biographical Information
• Overview of the Collection
• How to Use the Collection
• Detailed Description and Container Inventory

Biographical Information

Peter Krasnow (1886-1979) was a painter, sculptor, and printmaker who lived and worked primarily in Southern California. His wife, Rose Krasnow (1885-1984), was a prolific writer of poems, short stories, and plays.

Peter Krasnow was born on August 20, 1886 in the Ukraine, Russia to Jewish parents. His father's work as an interior designer inspired Krasnow's interest in art.

In 1907, Krasnow emigrated to the United States, first living in Boston. He moved to Chicago in 1908 to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, where he met his future wife, Rose Bloom. To support himself during his studies, Krasnow worked as a security officer and performed other manual jobs. He graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1916 and married Rose that same year.

The Krasnows moved to New York in 1919. In New York, Krasnow experienced some artistic success, participating in group and solo exhibitions at the Whitney Studio Club. During this time period, Krasnow often painted city scenes using a dark color palette.

In 1922, the Krasnows moved to Los Angeles, California. Krasnow built a studio near Glendale in 1923, on land purchased from photographer and friend Edward Weston. The studio also served as the Krasnows' main residence for the rest of their lives. In 1923 in Los Angeles, Krasnow exhibited with the Group of Independent Artists, which included Stanton Macdonald-Wright, Boris Deutsch, Nick Brigante, Ben Berlin, and other noteworthy artists. During his first years in California, Krasnow mostly created watercolor paintings, including a series of landscapes, using a lighter color palette than his earlier works. In the 1920s, Krasnow also accepted commissions for carved wood reliefs at the Temple Emmanu-El in San Francisco and the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.

Krasnow received a grant in 1931, and he and Rose temporarily relocated to the Dordogne region of France, where they lived until 1934. During this time, Krasnow painted a series of watercolors and paintings of the French landscape. Before returning to the United States, Krasnow exhibited these landscapes at the Galerie Pierre.

After returning to California, Krasnow began creating carved wood sculptures, which he named 'demountables,' often using wood from trees on his property. Krasnow created these sculptures to celebrate the organic shapes inherent in wood.

In 1934, Krasnow returned to painting, this time creating bright, colorful, geometric designs which often incorporated symbolism from his Jewish heritage. Krasnow focused on these paintings through the remaining years of his life. In 1977, Krasnow received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Peter Krasnow died on October 30, 1979 in Los Angeles. Rose Krasnow died five years later, in 1984.

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Overview of the Collection

Scope and Contents

The papers of painter, printmaker, and sculptor Peter Krasnow (1886-1979) and his wife, writer Rose Krasnow (1885-1984), measure 5.7 linear feet and date from 1914 to 1984. Papers include biographical materials, a sound recording, correspondence, essays, poetry, short stories, notes, transcripts of lectures and radio talks, five diaries of Peter Krasnow, personal business records, exhibition catalogs and announcements, clippings, magazines, five sketchbooks, sketches and drawings in multiple media, prints, and photographs.

Biographical materials include documentation of Rose Krasnow's service as a member of the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps, programs and other materials from various memorial services, a sound recording with commentary on a Peter Krasnow exhibition, and documentation of a project to publish Rose Krasnow's poetry.

Correspondence consists of Peter and Rose Krasnow's personal and professional correspondence as well as a small amount of third party correspondence. Personal correspondence with friends and family involves health, work, daily events, and other life updates. Professional correspondence with art dealers, curators, gallery and museum directors, collectors, and colleges and universities concerns exhibitions, sales, loans, and donations of artwork. Primary correspondents include Leslie Burton and Harriet Blades, Dan Budnik, Grace Clements, Conrad Crocker, Dudley Howe, Lilly Weil Jaffe, Grace L. McCann Morley, Dale and Elaine Owen, Aimée Brown Price, Ernest and Ina Raboff, Irving Stone, and Edward Weston. There are also numerous scattered letters from artists, writers, curators, critics, museums, arts associations, and Jewish organizations.

Writings and notes are by Peter Krasnow, Rose Krasnow, and others. Writings by Peter Krasnow include a draft autobiography, essays, lectures on wood sculpture, typescripts, notes, and writings on art. Writings by Rose Krasnow include essays, plays, poetry, and short stories. Writings by others consist of essays, lectures, notes, plays, poetry, short stories, and typescripts. Other writers include Grace Clements, Fidel Danieli, Robert DeLuce, Alfred S. Drake, and Philip Noer. There are also five handwritten personal diaries by Peter Krasnow.

Personal business records include Rose Krasnow's bank book from 1980, Peter Krasnow's naturalization certificate and passport, an inventory of paintings on index cards, tax applications for the Peter Krasnow Arts Foundation, materials relating to Peter Krasnow's estate and the purchase of his artwork, and various receipts.

Printed materials include exhibition catalogs and announcements, clippings, bound books, magazines and journals, a Chicago Society of Artists block print calendar, and two printed posters from Peter Krasnow's exhibit at the Galerie Pierre in 1934.

Artwork is mostly by Peter Krasnow, and includes five sketchbooks, sketches and drawings, watercolors, preliminary studies in oil, and prints.

Photographs include personal photographs, photographs of major sculpture projects in progress, and artwork. Personal photographs are of Peter and Rose, family members, and friends, as well as a few scattered images of landscapes and architecture, possibly travel photographs. There are also photographs of Edward and Flora Weston. There are three photograph albums, one contains images of Krasnow's relief sculptures for the Sinai Temple's Kohn Chapel. Two photograph albums were compliled by Susan Ehrlich for Peter and Rose Krasnow. Also found are photographs of works of art. Some of the photographs in the papers were taken by Dan Budnik.

Arrangement and Series Description

The collection is arranged as 9 series:

• Series 1: Biographical Materials, circa 1942-1983 (Boxes 1, 6; 7 folders)
• Series 2: Correspondence, circa 1930-1984 (Box 1; 0.4 linear feet)
• Series 3: Writings and Notes, circa 1916-1980 (Boxes 1-2; 1.3 linear feet)
• Series 4: Diaries, circa 1955-1968 (Box 2-3; 5 folders)
• Series 5: Personal Business Records, circa 1914-1982 (Box 3; 0.4 linear feet)
• Series 6: Printed Materials, circa 1922-1981 (Boxes 3-4 and OV 9; 1.1 linear feet)
• Series 7: Artwork, circa 1918-1980 (Boxes 4-6 and OV 7-8, 10; 1.5 linear feet)
• Series 8: Sketchbooks, circa 1918-1973 (Box 5; 5 folders)
• Series 9: Photographs, circa 1914-1981 (Boxes 5-6; 0.6 linear feet)

Subjects and Names

Provenance

The Peter and Rose Krasnow papers were donated in several increments between 1976 and 1998 by Peter Krasnow, the Estate of Peter Krasnow, and the Peter and Rose Krasnow Foundation.

How the Collection was Processed

Portions of the collection received a preliminary level of processing at some point after donation and microfilmed in multiple accretions on reels 1712-1713, 1756, 1818, and 3967. Filmed and unfilmed papers were merged and fully processed by Erin Townsend in 2010.

How to Use the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Use of original papers requires an appointment. Use of archival audiovisual recordings with no duplicate access copy requires advance notice.

Ownership & Literary Rights

The Peter and Rose Krasnow papers are owned by the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. Literary rights as possessed by the donor have been dedicated to public use for research, study, and scholarship. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

How to Cite this Collection

Peter and Rose Krasnow papers, 1914-1984. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.

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Detailed Description and Container Inventory

Series 1: Biographical Materials, circa 1942-1983 (Boxes 1, 6; 7 folders)

This series contains certificates and other materials from Rose Krasnow's service as a member of the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps; materials from memorial services, including the program and guest list from Peter Krasnow's memorial service; documentation of a project to publish Rose Krasnow's poetry; and a sound recording with commentary by Grace Clements on a Peter Krasnow exhibition. The recording is on 1 sound disc (lacquer).

Series 2: Correspondence, circa 1930-1984 (Box 1; 0.4 linear feet)

This series contains the personal and professional correspondence of Peter and Rose Krasnow as well as a small amount of third party correspondence. Personal correspondence with friends and family involves health, work, daily events, and other life updates. Professional correspondence with art dealers, curators, gallery and museum directors, collectors, and colleges and universities deals with exhibitions, sales, loans, and donations of artwork. Correspondents include Leslie Burton and Harriet Blades, Dan Budnik, Grace Clements, Conrad Crocker, Dudley Howe, Lilly Weil Jaffe, Grace L. McCann Morley, Dale and Elaine Owen, Aimée Brown Price, Ernest and Ina Raboff, Irving Stone, and Edward Weston. Also included are scattered letters from Harry N. Abrams, B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Arnold Chanin, John D. Entenza, Lorser Feitelson, Estelle Getz, Sadakichi Hartmann, Hilaire Hiler, Judah L. Magnes Memorial Museum, Jules Langsner, Long Beach Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles Hillel Council, Dorothy C. Miller, National Endowment for the Arts, National Portrait Gallery, Frances V. O'Connor, Peter and Rose Krasnow Foundation, Hilla Rebay, San Francisco Museum of Art, Abigail von Schlegell, and Whitney Museum of American Art.

Correspondence is arranged alphabetically by surname of correspondent. Letters written by correspondents whose last name is unknown are filed alphabetically by first name of correspondent. Letters from unidentified correspondents are filed at the end of the series.

Series 3: Writings and Notes, circa 1916-1980 (Boxes 1-2; 1.3 linear feet)

This series contains writings and notes by Peter Krasnow, Rose Krasnow, and others. Writings by Peter Krasnow include a draft autobiography, essays, lectures on wood sculpture, typescripts, notes, and writings on art. Writings by Rose Krasnow include essays, plays, poetry, and short stories. Writings by others consist of essays, lectures, notes, plays, poetry, short stories, and typescripts. Other writers include Grace Clements, Fidel Danieli, Robert DeLuce, Alfred S. Drake, and Philip Noer.

The series is arranged as 3 subseries:

• 3.1: By Peter Krasnow, circa 1937-1980
• 3.2: By Rose Krasnow, circa 1916-1979
• 3.3: By Others, circa 1929-1980

3.1: By Peter Krasnow, circa 1937-1980

3.2: By Rose Krasnow, circa 1916-1979

3.3: By Others, circa 1929-1980

Series 4: Diaries, circa 1955-1968 (Box 2-3; 5 folders)

This series contains five handwritten diaries by Peter Krasnow.

Diaries are arranged chronologically by date, if known. Two undated diaries are filed at the end of the series.

Series 5: Personal Business Records, circa 1914-1982 (Box 3; 0.4 linear feet)

This series contains Rose Krasnow's bank book from 1980, Peter Krasnow's naturalization certificate and passport, an inventory of paintings on index cards, tax applications for the Peter Krasnow Arts Foundation, materials relating to Peter Krasnow's estate and the purchase of his artwork, and various receipts.

Series 6: Printed Materials, circa 1922-1981 (Boxes 3-4 and OV 9; 1.1 linear feet)

This series contains exhibition catalogs, announcements, and invitations; clippings about Peter Krasnow and his work; bound books; magazines and journals, including The Argus, The Art Digest, The Menorah Journal, Arts and Architecture, and Archives of American Art Journal; an Oakland Museum brochure; a Chicago Society of Artists block print calendar; television and radio program guides; and two printed posters from Peter Krasnow's exhibit at the Galerie Pierre in 1934.

The series is arranged as 6 subseries:

• 6.1: Catalogs and Announcements, circa 1922-1981
• 6.2: Clippings, circa 1923-1980
• 6.3: Books, 1930-1974
• 6.4: Published Magazines and Journals, 1924-1978
• 6.5: Other, circa 1952 - 1974
• 6.6: Printed Posters, 1934

6.1: Catalogs and Announcements, circa 1922-1981

6.2: Clippings, circa 1923-1980

6.3: Books, 1930-1974

6.4: Published Magazines and Journals, 1924-1978

6.5: Other, circa 1952 - 1974

6.6: Printed Posters, 1934

Series 7: Artwork, circa 1918-1980 (Boxes 4-6, OV 7-8, 10; 1.5 linear feet)

This series contains artwork, mostly by Peter Krasnow, including sketches and drawings, watercolors, oil studies, and prints. The sketches and drawings consist of landscapes, portraits, studies for paintings and sculpture, and abstract works. Watercolors include landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and other themes. The oil studies consist of thirty-three abstract works on board. There are seven prints, including four prints showing a wood engraving in various stages of completion.

The series is arranged as 5 subseries:

• 7.1: Sketches and Drawings, circa 1919-1980
• 7.2: Watercolors, circa 1918-1943
• 7.3: Oil Studies, 1940-1973
• 7.4: Prints, circa 1928

7.1: Sketches and Drawings, circa 1919-1980

7.2: Watercolors, circa 1932-1943

7.3: Oil Studies, 1940-1973

7.4: Prints, circa 1928

Series 8: Sketchbooks, circa 1918-1973 (Box 5; 5 folders)

This series contains five sketchbooks. The first sketchbook, dated 1918-1931, consists of watercolor and pencil sketches. The second sketchbook, dated 1931-1933, consists of watercolor and pencil portraits. The third and fourth sketchbooks, both dated 1932-1933, were completed during Peter Krasnow's time living in France. The fifth sketchbook, dated 1966-1973, consists of pencil and ink sketches.

Series 9: Photographs, circa 1914-1981 (Boxes 5-6; 0.6 linear feet)

Personal photographs depict Peter and Rose Krasnow, family, and friends, as well as a few scattered images of landscapes and architecture, possibly travel photographs. There are also photographs of Edward and Flora Weston. There are photographs of Peter Krasnow's paintings, drawings, and sculpture, and include two photo albums prepared by Susan Ehrlich for Peter and Rose Krasnow. An additional photo album includes images of Krasnow's relief sculptures for Sinai Temple's Kohn Chapel. Both the personal photographs and photographs of artwork include images by Dan Budnik.

The series is arranged as 2 subseries:

• 9.1: Personal Photographs, circa 1914-1981
• 9.2: Photographs of Artwork, circa 1925-1979

9.1: Personal Photographs, circa 1914-1981

9.2: Photographs of Artwork, circa 1925-1979