Dorothy Dehner papers, 1920-1987, bulk 1951-1987

Series includes various drafts, proofs, and reprints relating to Dehner's essay on John Graham, which was initially written as a foreword to Graham's Systems and Dialectics of Art re-issued by Johns Hopkins Press in 1971, but was first published as an article in the art journal, Leonardo in 1968; note that related material can be found in Series 2: Correspondence. Also found is material related to Dehner's essay on David Smith's work, "Medals for Dishonor," which was published as an article in Art Journal in 1977. Records consist of correspondence (mostly copies), including a copy of a David Smith letter with his suggested text to accompany the work, printed material, and drafts of Dehner's article. A draft of a memoir of Dehner's first meeting with Smith written for Art in America can also be found here.

Dehner's other writings on art include notes and copies of various speeches and lectures given at the Artists Club, the Cummer Gallery of Art, and elsewhere; various statements on art, including remarks on the Menorah, a plan of work, and a short piece on the series of paintings, Life on the Farm; and contributions to catalogs for others, including ones for Joel Levy and Joan Paul. Dehner's poems include one she wrote in high school, manuscripts of two that were published in the journal, Tracks, and poems she wrote for her stepdaughter and granddaughter. Other writings include notes taken during a stay in the hospital in 1933, and later reflective and memoir pieces such as were written for her granddaughter, upon the death of Marian Willard, and on other occasions.

Student work includes papers dating from Dehner's time at Skidmore College in 1951-1952, including an essay on eighteen artists and the Metropolitan Art Museum, and notes from a class she took on Oriental Cultures.