Collection Information

Size: 8.6 linear feet

Summary: The papers of New York art collector, Chester Dale, who amassed one of the world's most complete collections of nineteenth and twentieth century French art, measure 8.6 linear feet and date from circa 1883-2003. The bulk of the material dates from 1920-1970 and documents Dale's activities through biographical material, correspondence, memoirs and other writings, purchase, sales and estate records, printed material, scrapbooks, and photographs.

Biographical/Historical Note

Chester Dale (1883-1962) was an art collector in New York, New York.

Provenance

The collection was donated in 1972 by Mary Dale, Chester Dale's second wife, and in 1985 by Mary Dale's estate.

Related Materials

Holdings at the Archives of American Art also include the Chester Dale papers concerning George Bellows, 1919-1956, comprising correspondence, a photograph, and invoices relating to Chester Dale's relationship with George Bellows and Dale's interest in artwork by Bellows; and the Chester Dale eulogy, consisting of one 35 minute, 9 second sound tape reel of a eulogy delivered by an unidentified speaker.

Funding

Funding for the processing and digitization of the Chester Dale papers is provided by Terra Foundation for American Art and The Walton Family Foundation. Funding for the reformatting of the 16mm film reel was provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.