Clement Greenberg papers, 1937-1983

Collection Information

Size: 8.6 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of influential New York author and art critic Clement Greenberg measure 8.6 linear feet and date from 1937 to 1983. The bulk of the papers consists of letters from art critics, artists, family, friends, curators, collectors, publishers, galleries, and museums, with scattered letters from Greenberg. Also found are Greenberg's business and financial records along with small amounts of biographical material, printed material, and writings consisting of two reports.

Biographical/Historical Note

New York City author Clement Greenberg, was one of the most influential art critics of the twentieth century, primarily from the 1940s-1960s. He was an advocate of modern art, particularly the Abstract Expressionist movement, and was one of the first critics to recognize the significance of Jackson Pollock's work.

Provenance

Clement Greenberg initially lent material for microfilming in 1968-1969. He donated most of this material to the Archives of American Art with additional papers in several accretions between 1984 to 1991.

Related Materials

The Portland Art Museum holds Clement Greenberg's private art collection as well as a library of exhibition catalogs. The Archives of American Art also holds microfilm of material lent for microfilming (reels N69-91, N70-7, and N737). Most, but not all, of these papers were later donated by Greenberg. Loaned materials not donated at a later date are not described in the container listing of this finding aid.

Language Note

The collection is in English and French.

Digitization Note

This site provides access to the papers of Clement Greenberg in the Archives of American Art that were digitized in 2018, and total 16,327 images.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art. Funding for the digitization of the papers was provided by The Walton Family Foundation.