Journals, sketchbooks and other papers recording two visits to Europe, 1830-1833 and 1852-1855. On his final visit to Italy (he died in Florence in 1855) Hewins acquired hundreds of paintings and other art objects which he had shipped to the U.S.; some items were sold at auction in Boston (Leonard & Co., 1853 Nov. 3 and Dec. 8) and N.Y. (Nicolay & Co., 1854 March 28 and Brodhead & Co., 1855 Oct. 17). These detailed catalogs and lists form a major part of the collection and may be useful to art historians seeking information on the provenance of Italian renaissance paintings in private collections and museums in the U.S. today; some photographs of paintings owned by Hewins are included. Contents: Vol. 1, Journal/sketchbook, Italy, 1830-1832 (mainly Pisa & Florence); v. 2, Journal, 1830-1833 (published); v. 3, Sketchbook, 1851-1855 (records his second visit to Italy, including views of the Mediterranean, Genoa, La Spezzia, Florence); v. 4, "Catalogue of Pictures" sent to America on six ships.
