Xanthus Smith diaries

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Xanthus Smith diaries

1883-1892

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/mw9b63c9168-8407-47e4-8318-20c842eabe1e

Handwritten diary, January 1-December 31, 1883, and July 1, 1891-May 14, 1892. The entries detail the daily events of Smith, who painted in his studio almost every day, usually finishing a painting in one to three days. The entries also record his domestic life, living with his wife, children, and father, painter Russell Smith, outside of Philadelphia, Pa. He writes of his numerous paintings, often referring to his materials and techniques; of trading pictures for frames; critiques an exhibition of etchings in Philadelphia in 1883; records his investments in stocks and bonds, transactions with his dealers Haseltine and Davis & Harvey; paintings on sea shells that he sold in Atlantic City; photographing of outdoor scenes that he later used as subjects for his paintings; developing photographs; making prints; family illnesses and visits from Dr. Paxton; use of Devoe paints and canvas; a trip to Southwest Harbor, Maine, in 1883, where he made numerous outdoor studies and sketches; and numerous and futile attempts to color glass lantern slides. [This reel is mislabeled Russell Smith].

Archives of American Art

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SNAC Resource ID: 6781531

Archives of American Art

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Smith, Xanthus, 1839-1929

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6g74nzh (person)

Marine and landscape painter, photographer; Philadelphia, Pa. From the description of Xanthus Smith diaries, 1883-1892. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122595129 ...

Smith, William Russell, 1815-1896

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6fj386h (person)

Painter, Russell Smith, was employed in 1844 Summer, to sketch for William Barton Rogers, professor at the University of Virginia and head of the Virginia Geological Survey. (see letter, Berkeley to Ricketts, 1974 April 24, filed with item). From the description of Painting of the University of Virginia from the toll gate, 1844. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 57620796 Russell Smith was a painter, born in Scotland, and immigrated to western Pennsylvania. His in...