Peirce, Waldo, 1884-1970

Nationally recognized American artist Waldo Peirce (1884-1970) was known for illustrating envelopes. Peirce was a Harvard alumnus, having earned his Harvard AB 1908; the addressee, William Bingham (1889-1971) earned his Harvard AB 1916 and served as director of athletics at Harvard from 1926 to 1951. These envelopes were sent during a period when the Harvard football team was at a low point and being criticized by the press.

From the description of Illustrated envelopes addressed to William Bingham, 1947 and 1949. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 77064453

From the description of Illustrated envelopes addressed to William Bingham, 1947 and 1949 [videorecording]. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 249202775

Painter Waldo Peirce was born in Maine, educated at Harvard, and studied painting in Europe. He met Ernest Hemingway when serving in France as an ambulance driver in World War I, and they remained life-long friends. Peirce was a major presence among the Lost Generation in post-war Paris, painting and socializing. His colorful, lusty paintings assimilate elements from Renoir, Matisse, and Cezanne into a singular representational style. Known as much for his colorful, larger-than-life personality and Bohemian lifestyle as for his art, Peirce's paintings are owned by some of the most important museums in the world.

From the description of Waldo Peirce correspondence with Francis Hyslop, 1956. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 61356034

Painter.

From the description of Waldo Peirce letters, 1959-1967. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 64075261

Artist.

From the description of Papers of Waldo Peirce, 1889-1985. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71066590

Painter, watercolorist; Searsport, Maine.

From the description of Waldo Peirce letters, 1943. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122553058

From the description of Waldo Peirce papers, 1903-1970. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122571014

No information available.

From the description of Waldo Peirce Collection undated. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 428024654

From the guide to the Waldo Peirce Collection, (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])

American painter.

From the description of Papers of Waldo Peirce, 1936 [manuscript]. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647833943

Biographical Note

• 1884, Dec. 17: Born, Bangor, Maine
• 1908: A.B., Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
• 1910 - 1914 : Traveled and studied art in France and Spain; attended Julian Academy, Paris, France
• 1912: Married Dorothy Rice (divorced 1918)
• 1915 - 1917 : Served with American Ambulance Corps in France during World War I
• 1920: Married Ivy Troutman (divorced)
• 1921 - 1922 : Lived in Tunis, Tunisia
• 1926: First American exhibition of his paintings
• 1930: Returned to the United States Married Alzira Boehm (divorced)
• 1944: Awarded first prize, Artists for Victory competition
• 1946: Married Ellen Larsen
• 1957: Named director of fine arts, Colby College, Waterville, Maine
• 1970, Mar. 8: Died, Newburyport, Mass.

From the guide to the Waldo Peirce Papers, 1889-1985, (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)