Collection Information

Size: 2 items (on a partial microfilm reel).

Summary: A photograph of the interior of Eilshemius' studio in his house on East 57th St., New York; typescripts of letters to his mother, a diary entry, and a poem. Two letters to his mother describe his feelings about creating art work. One letter is a birthday poem written in Malaga, Spain in 1892 to his brother, Gustave. The diary entry, dated August 2, 1931, comments that "The one who understood my paintings is...Henry McBride."

REEL 439 AND SCANNED One photograph of Eilshemius, previously microfilmed under Photos of Artists I; it has been scanned.

Provenance

Donated by Florence Lewison, 1965, who purchased some papers from Eilshemius' estate for the purpose of researching his art and personality. Lewison also owned many of his paintings, a number of which were bought by Joseph Hirshhorn. Also at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are a portion of Eilshemius papers, including correspondence with Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Rigby, letters, sketches and a sketchbook, a manuscript, handbills and pamphlets. Hirshhorn may have received some or all of these items from Lewison.

Related Materials

Louis Eilshemius papers also located at: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution.

Location of Originals

• Originals at the time of microfilming in the possession of Florence Lewison.

Alternative Forms Available

Microfilm reel 2803: fr. 1144-1152 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.

Restrictions on Access

Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Microfilmed materials must be consulted on microfilm. Contact Reference Services for more information.

How to Cite This Collection

Louis M. Eilshemius letters and photograph, [ca. 1892-1931]. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.