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Christopher DeMairo
Scope and Contents
The Ruth Teschner Costantino papers and Connoisseur Inc. records measure 1.6 linear feet and date from the 1910s to 1981. The collection sheds light on the personal and professional life of fine art and antique dealer Ruth T. Costantino through correspondence between Costantino and the American Art Association, collectors, family members, friends, and museum representatives; autobiographical and travel writings; newspaper and magazine clippings on art as well as reviews and advertisements about her book, How to Know French Antiques (1961); and identification documents. Connoisseur Inc. include sales records, inventories, receipts, and some correspondence.
Language
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated in two installments by Helen Constantino Fioratti, Ruth Teschner Constantino's daughter. Ruth Costantino's personal and professional papers and several Connoisseur Inc. files were donated in 1983. The bulk of Connoisseur Inc. records were donated in 1984.
Funding
Sponsor
The processing of this collection received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care and Preservation Fund, administered by the National Collections Program and the Smithsonian Collections Advisory Committee.
Processing Information
Two accessions were merged, processed, and a finding aid prepared by Christopher DeMairo in 2021 with funding provided by the Smithsonian Institution's Collections Care and Preservation Fund. Preliminary processing of Ruth Costantino's personal and professional papers and several Connoisseur Inc. files were completed in 1989 by Alanna Heiss and in 2018 by Caroline Donadio.
