Rico Lebrun papers, 1935-1975

Collection Information

Size: 5.3 linear feet

Summary: The papers of painter, muralist, and educator Rico Lebrun measure 5.3 linear feet and date from 1935 to 1975. Found within the papers are biographical materials; personal and business correspondence, including extensive correspondence between Lebrun and his gallery, Jacques Seligmann and Co.; writings, including illustrated notebooks; personal business records; printed material; 3 sketchbooks; and photographs of Lebrun, travels in Mexico, and his work.

Biographical/Historical Note

Painter, muralist, and educator Rico (Frederico) Lebrun (1900-1964) lived and worked in New York City and Los Angeles, California and his modernist works were primarily influenced by traditional religious iconography and human suffering. Born in Naples, Italy, Lebrun studied at the Beaux-Arts Academy and the Academy of Arts and National Technical Institute in Naples, assisting fresco painters between 1918 and 1922. After moving to the United States in 1924, he became a commercial artist in New York City and taught at the Art Student League. He also taught at the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Mexico and at the Americn Academy in Rome. He settled in California in 1938.

Provenance

The papers were donated in 1974 by Lebrun's wife, Constance Lebrun Crown. Additional materials were donated by Crown in 1976.

Related Materials

Also found in the Archives of American Art is an oral history interview with Constance Lebrun Crown and David Lebrun conducted by Paul Karlstrom, November 23, 1974. Syracuse University also holds papers of Rico Lebrun.