Douglas Volk and Leonard Wells Volk papers, circa 1858-1965, 2008, bulk 1870-1935

Three European journals, written between March 1872 and 1875, record Volk's earliest visits to Europe and the beginning of his artistic education. His 1872-1873 journals record Volk's day-to-day life in Rome, and his impressions and activities during visits to Venice and Paris. They document meetings and friendships with artists including Eugene Benson, George de Forest Brush, George Inness, and others. In the 1873 journal Volk writes of experiencing an earthquake on June 29, 1873, and how a sketch he made of a ruined church at San Pietro di Feretto in the aftermath of the event was published in the London News, constituting "the first time my name has been before the public in connection with my art." A copy of the newspaper clipping that contains the sketch can be found in 1.6. Printed Material.

Volk's 1875 journal contains scattered sketches and records, amongst other things, his study under Jean-Léon Gérôme, visits to London, and the acceptance of his first pictures to the Paris Salon.

The 1903 diary contains only a short list of "Pictures at Knoedlers" and several other scattered notations.

Volk's 1919 journal records his time in Europe making studies from life for portraits of King Albert of Belgium, Prime Minister David Lloyd George, and Woodrow Wilson's Ambassador to Belgium, Brand Whitlock. The journal includes accounts of his sittings with the three men, Volk's meeting with Woodrow Wilson who was in Paris for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the arrival of Cecilia Beaux who was in Europe to paint Cardinal Mercier, and Volk's friendship with John Singer Sargent. Also recorded are preparations for Volk's portrait of General John J. Pershing, and accounts of touring the battlefields of World War I and his impressions of the general devastation of the region.

Volk's 1934 journal documents work on his portrait of Lincoln from his father's life mask of Lincoln.

Diaries and journals are arranged in chronological order.

Series is scanned in entirety.