Dehn, Adolf, 1895-1968. Correspondence with Carl Zigrosser, 1916-1969, n.d.
Title:
Correspondence with Carl Zigrosser, 1916-1969, n.d.
The early correspondence from Dehn (1922-1931) is almost entirely from Europe, where Dehn was an active figure in American expatriate artist circles. The letters define the great split in Dehn's work between the innovative landscapes done during sojourns in the countryside, and his biting social satires done during long stretches in the European capitals. The letters detail his travels around Europe, the many reasons he isn't wo rking as much or as well as he should (women, health problems, café life, family trouble, temporary lack of focus), his money troubles, ideas for projects to sell at Weyhe Gallery and work leads for illustrations in magazines, who he has met (in London, Berlin, Vienna, Paris, Italy), the progress of his work and incredible outlines for future production of works of art. Many of these letters are illustrated with ink drawings. Included are details of the life of Dehn's wife, dancer Mura Dehn, as well as regular inquiries after artist Boardman (Michael) Robinson. These extended visits to Europe were punctuated by brief returns to the United States, and Dehn's family home in Waterville, Minnesota. After 1931, some of the business letters are addressed to Laura Canadé, an employee at Weyhe Gallery and Zigrosser's second wife. Included in Adolf Dehn's letters are his responses to the encouragement, advice and criticism of Zigrosser. A letter from Dehn in late 1927 asks for such criticism, and in early 1928 Zigrosser responded with a long letter criticizing Dehn's output and suggesting that he apply himself to his work, stretch further and try harder. Dehn's response is at first defensive, then full of resolve and new plans. Another 1927 letter from Dehn introduces artist Andrée Ruellan to Zigrosser. From 1932, Dehn was in almost continual residence in the United States, working in Waterville and Martha's Vineyard. The letters deal with Dehn's work, his teaching, sales, the Adolf Dehn Print Club, exhibitions, travel in Mexico (1939), an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago (1940), family news, and notices of his work from Associated American Artists. After Zigrosser left commercial gallery work and went with the Philadelphia Museum of Art the correspondence slowed, and there is a gap in the letters from 1949 to 1963. Dehn's letters resume from Paris, where he is making prints with his wife, Virginia Dehn, and Ernest Fiene and Federico Castellón at the Atelier Desjobert. The letters are sporadic, and Dehn died in 1968. There is a slim folder of clippings.
ArchivalResource:
159 items (263 leaves).
http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/155900723 View
View in SNAC
