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Busch-Reisinger Museum Scrapbook, 1976-1980

ARCH.2013.5.18, Rendition: 799191

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The image is a page from a publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, featuring two main articles. The first article, titled "Around the Busch," focuses on Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent at the Busch Museum. It includes a photograph of Joe MacDonald at his desk. The text describes Joe's extensive responsibilities, including overseeing the physical side of the museum's operations, handling shipments, and maintaining the museum's clock. Joe has been with the museum since 1965 and is known for his dedication and long service. He enjoys modern painting and has a particular interest in works by Hans Beckmann and Emil Nolde. Joe is also known for his sense of humor and dedication to the museum.

The second article, titled "Trübner on Extended Loan," discusses a portrait by Wilhelm Trübner that has been loaned to the Busch-Reisinger Museum from the New York firm of Selden and DeCuevas, Inc. The portrait, titled "Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff," is part of the museum's efforts to strengthen its collection of 19th-century German art. The article provides background on Trübner, noting his association with the Munich realists and his impressionist style. The portrait is described as an excellent example of Trübner's work.

The page also includes two photographs: one of Joe MacDonald and another of the portrait by Wilhelm Trübner. The text is written by Emmy Dana.

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Around the Busch

People seeing Joe MacDonald at the front desk might not realize his many responsibilities. As Superintendent of the Museum, he plays an indispensable role in its day-to-day functioning, and his job is a complicated one.

Joe oversees the physical side of Busch operations in a number of diverse ways which include security, maintenance, receiving shipments, assisting in the unpacking and hanging of exhibitions, and even cranking up the twenty-foot pendulum of the tower clock once a week. He knows every inch of the building, and anticipates problems before they occur. In length of service, he is the senior staff member at the Museum. He began working at the Busch as a guard in 1965 under Charles Kuhn, Curator from 1930-1968, and assumed the position of Superintendent in 1969.

Joe is popular with old friends of the Museum. From his post at the front desk, he has seen many visitors to the art collection, ranging from school groups to foreign dignitaries. Security is certainly one of his biggest concerns, so that heavily attended exhibits mean additional headaches for him. Exhibits which attracted particularly large crowds were “Concepts of the Bauhaus,” “Ferdinand Hodler,” “Three Swiss Painters,” and, most recently, the Paul Klee and Käthe Kollwitz exhibitions.

Joe is here daytimes when the Museum is open to the viewing public as well as many evenings when special functions are held here. He remembers battalions of Secret Service men when Willy Brandt and Henry Kissinger were here; and a lecture by Stockhausen, at which 800 people somehow fit into Renaissance Hall.

Superintendent Joe MacDonald

Joe is married and has six children and ten grandchildren. In his free time he follows the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, takes photographs, and visits historic homes. He particularly enjoys the big bands of the 1940’s like those of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, and has an extensive record collection.

Joe likes modern painting in general, especially those of Albers. Among his favorite paintings at the Museum are Hannes Beckmann’s Plus Four and Emil Nolde’s Mohnfeld. He enjoys working in an art museum, becoming familiar with the paintings, meeting all the different sorts of people who come into the Museum. He says: “It’s more than a job to me — the Museum is really part of me. I take pride in it.” The Busch takes pride in Joe as well, as he has been a constantly good-humored, flexible, dedicated member of the staff for so many years.

— Emmy Dana

Trübner on Extended Loan

The Busch-Reisinger Museum has received a portrait by Wilhelm Trübner on extended loan from the New York firm of Seiden and DeCuevas, Inc. As with previous loans from this source, including Dahl’s Vie de Dresden (see November Naslitler) and drawings by Caspar David Friedrich, this portrait of Caroline von Carolsfeld and Josef Albers on loan to the Fogg Department of Drawings, further strengthens the Harvard art museums’ holdings in 19th century German art, an area which is sparsely represented in American museums and in which there is increasing interest.

Trübner was born in Heidelberg in 1851 and painted his earliest important works in the early 1870’s when he joined the circle of the Munich realists. The portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff was painted in 1901 when the artist was in Frankfurt, where he served as Professor of Painting at the Städels Institute. It is a large three-quarter length portrait and is an excellent example of Trübner’s impressionist style.

Wilhelm Trübner, Portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff

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The image is a two-page spread from a publication, featuring articles about the Busch-Reisinger Museum and its staff.

Left Page: "Around the Busch"

Main Article:

The primary article discusses Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Busch-Reisinger Museum. It highlights his numerous responsibilities, including overseeing security, maintenance, receiving shipments, assisting in unpacking and hanging exhibitions, and managing the building's upkeep. Joe is described as having a comprehensive understanding of the building and anticipating issues before they arise.

Joe started working at the Busch in 1965 as a guard under Charles Kuhn and became Superintendent in 1969. He is noted for being very popular with visitors and museum staff, providing insights into the art collection and helping with special events. Joe's favorite exhibitions include works by Ferdinand Hodler, Three Swiss Painters, Paul Klee, and Käthe Kollwitz.

Joe is also involved in the day-to-day operations when the museum is open to the public and during special functions. He has seen many notable visitors, including Secret Service men during a visit by then Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.

Personal Details:

Joe MacDonald is married with six children and ten grandchildren. He enjoys various hobbies, particularly the big bands from the 1940s, like those of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, and has an extensive record collection. He has a deep appreciation for modern painting, especially the works of Albers, Beckmann, and Nolde.

Right Page: Image and Additional Article

Image:

There is a photograph of Joe MacDonald, identified as the Superintendent.

Additional Article: "Trübner on Extended Loan"

The article announces that the Busch-Reisinger Museum has received a portrait by Wilhelm Trübner on extended loan from the estate of Seiden and De Cuevas. The loan includes other works, such as drawings by Caspar David Friedrich and Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld.

Wilhelm Trübner, born in Heidelberg in 1851, was an important artist within the circle of Munich realists in the 1870s. The portrait of Frau Lina Wüsthoff, painted in 1901, is an example of his impressionist style and is a large, three-quarter length piece.

The article is signed by Emmy Dana, indicating her authorship.

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The image is a page from a publication, likely a museum newsletter or brochure, focusing on the Busch-Reisinger Museum. It features two main sections: one about Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Museum, and another about an art loan from the New York firm of Seiden and DeCuevas.

Joe MacDonald

  • Role and Responsibilities:

    • Joe MacDonald is the Superintendent of the Busch-Reisinger Museum.
    • His responsibilities include overseeing security, maintenance, receiving shipments, unpacking and hanging exhibitions, and even operating the tower clock.
    • He is known for his proactive approach to anticipating and solving problems.
  • Experience and Background:

    • Began working at the Busch as a guard in 1965 under Charles Kuhn.
    • Assumed the position of Superintendent in 1969.
    • Known for his long service and familiarity with the museum’s operations.
  • Personal Life:

    • Married with six children and ten grandchildren.
    • Enjoys photography, visiting historical homes, and listening to bands from the 1940s.
    • Collects records and enjoys modern painting, particularly works by Hannes Beckmann and Emil Nolde.
  • Philosophy:

    • Views his job as more than a career, taking pride in the museum and its well-being.

Art Loan

  • Description:

    • The museum received a portrait of "Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff" by Wilhelm Trübner on extended loan from Seiden and DeCuevas.
    • This loan strengthens the Harvard Art Museums' collection of 19th-century German art, a field with growing interest in American museums.
  • Artist Background:

    • Wilhelm Trübner was born in Heidelberg in 1851.
    • Painted his earliest important works in the early 1870s.
    • Joined the Munich realists and later moved to Frankfurt, where he served as a Professor of Painting at the Städel Institute.
    • The portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff is a notable example of Trübner's impressionist style.

Visuals

  • Photos:
    • A photograph of Joe MacDonald at the front desk of the museum.
    • A portrait of "Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff" by Wilhelm Trübner.

The page combines professional and personal details about the museum staff and highlights the museum's acquisitions and collections.

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The image appears to be a page from a museum newsletter or publication, detailing aspects of the Busch-Reisinger Museum and its staff.

Left Side:

  • Around the Busch:
    • The text describes Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Busch-Reisinger Museum. He is responsible for the museum's daily operations, including security, maintenance, and exhibition setup. His role involves a wide range of tasks, from unpacking and hanging exhibits to overseeing the clock mechanism.
    • Joe has been at the museum since 1965 and has extensive experience. He is known for his dedication and ability to anticipate problems. His responsibilities also include managing special events and handling large crowds during popular exhibits.
    • Joe is popular among the museum's friends and visitors, and he is involved in many special functions, including Secret Service events.
    • Joe is married with six children and ten grandchildren. He enjoys photography, visiting historic homes, and has a passion for vintage music from the 1940s. He appreciates modern painting and has a personal collection of paintings by Hans Beckmann and Emil Nolde.

Right Side:

  • Image and Text:
    • There is a portrait of Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent, at his desk.
    • Trübner on Extended Loan:
      • The Busch-Reisinger Museum has received a portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff by Wilhelm Trübner on extended loan from the New York firm of Seiden and DeCuevas, Inc.
      • This loan complements previous loans from the same source, including works by Caspar David Friedrich and drawings by Joseph Anton Schmied.
      • The portrait is significant as it strengthens the Harvard art collections in 19th-century German art, an area that is not well-represented in American museums. Wilhelm Trübner was born in Heidelberg in 1851 and painted this portrait in 1901, showcasing his impressionist style.

Bottom Left Corner:

  • There is a photograph of Wilhelm Trübner’s portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff, emphasizing the historical and artistic significance of the loan.

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The image is a page from a magazine or a museum publication featuring two distinct articles.

Left Side: "Around the Busch"
The left side of the page is dedicated to a profile of Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Joe is described as a highly responsible individual who manages various operational aspects, including security, maintenance, and exhibition logistics. He has been with the museum for over 30 years, starting as a guard and rising through the ranks. Joe's responsibilities include overseeing the physical aspects of the museum, such as handling security, managing shipments, and even maintaining the tower clock. He is known for his dedication and the large number of visitors he sees daily, particularly during major exhibitions. Joe is also a keen collector of modern art and enjoys spending his free time with his family and following various sports teams.

Right Side: "Trübner on Extended Loan"
The right side features a detailed article about a portrait of Wilhelm Trübner, on extended loan from the New York firm of Seiden and DeCuevas. This portrait, titled "Fraulein Maria Wüsthoff," is an example of 19th-century German art, a field that is less represented in American museums but gaining interest. The portrait was painted by Wilhelm Trübner in 1901 and is notable for its impressionistic style. The article highlights the significance of this loan, indicating that it strengthens the Harvard Art Museums' collection in this area.

Included within this page are several images:

  • A photograph of Joe MacDonald standing at the front desk of the museum.
  • A portrait of Wilhelm Trübner, "Portrait of Fraulein Maria Wüsthoff."

The text is accompanied by a few other minor details, such as the names of some historical figures like Willy Brandt and Henry Kissinger, who were present during notable events at the museum.

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The image shows a page from a publication containing text and two images. The page is titled "Around the Busch" and features a section about Joe MacDonald, who appears in a photograph on the upper right, seated and resting an arm on a railing, wearing a turtleneck sweater. The text describes Joe MacDonald's role as Superintendent of the Museum, detailing his various responsibilities, his popularity with visitors, and his interests such as following sports teams and photography. It also mentions his family and his enjoyment of modern paintings.

Below this, there is another section titled "Trübner on Extended Loan," which discusses the Busch-Reisinger Museum's acquisition of a portrait by Wilhelm Trübner on loan. There is a black-and-white image of the portrait titled "Portrait of Fräulein Maria Wüsthoff" by Wilhelm Trübner, showing a seated woman in a white dress with her hands folded in her lap. The text provides background on Trübner, his style, and the significance of the painting for the museum.

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This image appears to be a photograph of a page from a print publication, possibly a newsletter or magazine. The page is labeled number 3 and features two main articles with headlines reading "Around the Busch" and "Trübner on Extended Loan." The first article discusses the role and responsibilities of an individual who is the Superintendent of the Busch Museum, mentioning diverse aspects of their job, such as overseeing security, managing shipments, setting up exhibitions, and interacting with museum visitors.

The second article reports on the Busch-Reisinger Museum receiving a painting by Wilhelm Trübner on an extended loan from the New York firm of Seligmann and Recoules. It provides some context about the importance of this loan to the museum's collection, particularly mentioning 19th-century German art.

There is also a black and white photograph of a sculpture included in the page, labeled "Wilhelm Trübner, Portrait of Fabiane Maria Weiffenbach," which seems to be related to the second article about the artwork on loan. Additionally, there are a couple of blurbs written in smaller text that provide more personal information about the museum's superintendent's personal life and interests, such as his family details and love for modern painting.

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The image depicts a page from a publication titled "Around the Busch", which appears to be a newsletter or informational document related to the Busch-Reisinger Museum. The page is structured into two main sections, each accompanied by photographs and descriptive text.

Left Side:

  • Title: "Around the Busch"
  • Content:
    • The text discusses Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Museum. It highlights his multifaceted responsibilities, including overseeing physical operations, maintenance, receiving shipments, assisting with unpacking and hanging exhibitions, and ensuring security.
    • Joe is noted as a long-standing employee, having started as a guard in 1930 and rising to the position of Superintendent in 1969. The text emphasizes his dedication, problem-solving skills, and deep familiarity with the Museum's operations.
    • His popularity is mentioned, with visitors often seeing him at the front desk. The text also touches on his personal life, noting that he is married with six children and ten grandchildren. His hobbies include photography, visiting historic homes, and enjoying music from the 1940s.
    • Joe’s appreciation for modern art is highlighted, with a mention of his favorite paintings at the Museum, including works by Hans Beckmann, Emil Nolde, and others. He is described as a dedicated, flexible, and good-humored staff member.
  • Photograph:
    • A black-and-white photograph of Joe MacDonald is placed near the top right of the left section. He is depicted wearing glasses and a light-colored shirt, standing with his arms crossed, and looking directly at the camera.

Right Side:

  • Title: "Trübner on Extended Loan"
  • Content:
    • This section discusses a portrait by Wilhelm Trübner that has been received on extended loan from the New York firm of Seiden and DeCuedas, Inc. The loan includes several drawings from the collection, such as works by Caspar David Friedrich, Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, and others.
    • The text explains that the loan strengthens the Harvard Art Museums' representation of 19th-century German art, an area of growing interest in American museums.
    • A brief biography of Trübner is provided: he was born in Heidelberg in 1851 and painted his earliest important works in the early 1870s. He joined the circle of Munich realists and later became part of the Frankfurt Institute of Art, where he served as a professor of painting.
    • The portrait featured is described as a large three-quarter-length piece, exemplifying Trübner's impressionistic style.
  • Photograph:
    • A black-and-white photograph of Wilhelm Trübner is placed near the bottom left of the right section. The portrait shows a man with a formal, composed demeanor, wearing a suit and tie, and looking directly ahead.

Overall Layout:

  • The page is clean and organized, with a balanced layout that includes text and images.
  • The text is typed in a serif font, giving it a formal and professional appearance.
  • The page number "3" is visible at the top right corner, indicating this is part of a larger publication.
  • The design is simple, with no decorative elements beyond the photographs and text.

Key Elements:

  1. Photographs:
    • Two black-and-white photographs are included: one of Joe MacDonald and one of Wilhelm Trübner.
  2. Text Content:
    • Detailed descriptions of Joe MacDonald’s role, responsibilities, and personal interests.
    • Information about the Trübner portrait on loan, its significance, and the artist’s background.
  3. Design:
    • Clean, professional layout with clear headings and structured paragraphs.

This page serves to inform readers about key personnel at the Museum and an important art acquisition, blending personal anecdotes with institutional updates.

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The image appears to be a page from a magazine or publication featuring an article about Joe MacDonald, the Superintendent of the Busch-Reisinger Museum. The article provides insights into Joe's role and responsibilities at the museum, highlighting his diverse tasks, including security, maintenance, receiving shipments, assisting with exhibitions, and even cranking up the building's pendulum. The article also mentions Joe's extensive experience, having worked at the museum since 1930 and becoming Superintendent in 1969. Additionally, the article touches on Joe's popularity with museum staff and visitors, his interest in art, and his dedication to the museum for over 50 years. The image includes a photograph of Joe MacDonald, as well as a portrait of Wilhelm Trübner, a German artist whose works are on extended loan to the museum.