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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, January 1929-December 1931

ARCH.2003.25, Rendition: 793876

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The image appears to be a scanned page from a publication, specifically the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," dated January 31, 1929. The content discusses various exhibitions and acquisitions at the Fogg Art Museum. The page is divided into several sections, each highlighting different aspects of the museum's collection.

The top section talks about a collection of Japanese pottery on display, noting that it includes ordinary pottery produced by ancient kilns and is not typically seen outside Japan. It mentions the importance of these pieces in the context of collectors' interests and the museum's role in showcasing such items.

The middle section discusses the background of embroidered textiles, which are worked in threads of pure gold with loops of red and green silk. It also mentions the museum's acquisitions, including prints from Mr. Philip Hofer and a bronze figure representing a Buddhist deity.

The bottom section is a headline that reads, "Fogg Museum Shows Recent Accessions," which is followed by a detailed account of the museum's recent acquisitions, including excavated finds and other art. It mentions items such as a pair of 14th-century shrine doors, Chinese early Buddhist drawings, and an antiphonary, among others.

The page appears to be a transcript or a summary, as indicated by the handwritten note at the bottom left corner that reads "Transcript Feb 27, 1929." The page also has some holes on the right side, suggesting it might have been part of a bound document or a collection of clippings.

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This image is a scanned page of a newspaper clipping, likely from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin dated January 31, 1929. The page contains several articles related to the Fogg Art Museum, which is an art museum associated with Harvard University. The articles discuss various exhibitions and acquisitions at the museum.

  1. Top Left Section:

    • Title: "FOGG ART MUSEUM"
    • Content: This article discusses an exhibition of more than fifty examples of Japanese pottery at the Fogg Art Museum. It highlights that these pieces are not the signed masterworks of famous Japanese potters but ordinary pottery used for household purposes. The article mentions the history of the pottery and the effects of years of use on the glazes, which have mellowed and lent them a patina prized by collectors. It also notes that the plates in the exhibition were used in Japanese homes before the advent of electricity and received added protection against fire.
  2. Bottom Left Section:

    • Title: "Fogg Museum Shows Recent Accessions"
    • Content: This article describes an exhibition of recent acquisitions at the Fogg Art Museum. It includes a collection of varied objects, such as a set of embroideries that were previously unknown and unpublished. The article mentions the exceptional quality and preservation of these embroideries and suggests they were likely made in Spain around 1400. It also discusses other recent acquisitions, including a pottery bowl, a censer from the ruins of Nuzi, Iraq, and an antiphonary by Lippo Vanni.
  3. Right Column:

    • Content: This section provides additional details about the recent acquisitions at the Fogg Art Museum. It mentions a bronze figure representing a Buddhist divinity, probably Maitreya, and a pair of fourteenth-century shrine doors painted with two splendid Buddhist figures in full color. The article also discusses the importance of these acquisitions in the context of Buddhist painting and the significance of the antiphonary by Lippo Vanni.

The page has handwritten notes at the top and bottom, indicating it may have been part of a personal collection or archive. The overall theme of the articles is the importance of the recent acquisitions and exhibitions at the Fogg Art Museum, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.

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This image displays a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, dated January 31, 1929, specifically page 48, focusing on news from the Fogg Art Museum.

The page is formatted as a newspaper clipping or bulletin insert and features typed text arranged in multiple columns, discussing recent acquisitions and exhibitions at the museum. The main headline reads:

“Fogg Museum Shows Recent Accessions”

Underneath, a sub-headline states:
“Collection of Varied Objects Contains Excavation Finds as Well as Other Art”

The article is divided into several thematic sections, each detailing different aspects of the museum’s new holdings:


1. Japanese Pottery

  • The museum has acquired over 50 examples of Japanese pottery, including signed masterworks and ordinary household pieces. Many are over a century old.
  • The collection includes pieces that were once used in Japanese homes before electricity, often under tiny night lights.
  • The pottery’s decoration, described as “deglaze painting,” is highlighted for its artistic genius, featuring stencils and free-hand techniques.
  • A plate by Mr. S. Yamanaka of Osaka is specifically mentioned.

2. Prints and Etchings

  • The museum received a gift of prints from Mr. Philip Hofer (Class of 1921), including works by Goya, Caprichos, Proverbios, and Tauromachia.
  • Two etchings by Antonio Canaletto are also noted, described as characteristic of his dramatic and atmospheric style.

3. The Dance of Death (Completed)

  • A major acquisition is the complete set of proofs of Hans Holbein’s Dance of Death woodcuts, dated 1525.
  • The set was printed by the Emperor Maximilian for his family and includes 12 subjects.
  • The article notes its significance as one of the few complete sets outside Europe and praises its artistic merit.
  • The woodcuts were cut by Hans Lützelburger.

4. Results of Excavation

  • Discusses finds from the Fogg’s excavations at Nuzi, Iraq (1927–1928).
  • The city of Nuzi was destroyed around 1500 B.C. and is believed to have been a temple or sanctuary.
  • A large cross-shaped opus from Spanish art is mentioned, possibly from Valencia around 1460, with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the Nativity. It is attributed to Florentine and Flemish influences.

5. Buddhist Bronze Divinity

  • A large, elegant bronze Buddha, likely Maitreya, was acquired from the Russian explorer Kozlov. It was found in 1924 and is dated to the 6th or 7th century.
  • A note from Sir Aurel Stein helps date the piece.
  • The article also mentions a 14th-century Chinese mirror and three early Buddhist drawings from Sir Percival David, Class of 1881.

6. Pottery Bowl (Gift of Sir Percival David)

  • A pottery bowl from Sir Percival David’s collection is highlighted. It is noted as an unusual piece, possibly from the Sung dynasty.
  • The inscription on the bowl is discussed, with reference to an article by Lippo Vanni.

Additional Notes:

  • The page includes handwritten notes: “transcript Feb 27 1929” at the bottom left, and “(no. 38) / c.o.5468” in the upper right corner, likely archival or cataloging annotations.
  • The paper has a yellowed, aged appearance with visible hole punches on the right edge, suggesting it was filed in a binder.

In summary: This is an archival document detailing significant acquisitions — from Japanese pottery to European prints to Buddhist bronzes and Mesopotamian excavation finds — at Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum in early 1929. It reflects the museum’s global and historical scope at the time and serves as a historical record of its collecting activity.

Image Type: Archival print material / Museum news bulletin.
Language: English.
Date: January 31, 1929.
Location: Harvard University, Fogg Art Museum.

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The image is a page from a bulletin or a newsletter, likely from the Fogg Art Museum, dated January 31, 1949. The page contains several articles about recent acquisitions and exhibitions at the museum. The articles discuss various artifacts and artworks, including Japanese pottery, Buddhist bronze divinity, and an antique mirror. The page also mentions the museum's efforts in preservation and the significance of the acquisitions for the museum's collection. The text is presented in a formal and informative tone, providing details about the origin, history, and importance of the artifacts.

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The image is a photograph of a printed page from a newspaper or magazine. The page is filled with several articles, each separated by horizontal lines and organized into distinct sections. The articles are written in a serif font and appear to be from the early to mid-20th century, based on the style and layout.

Description of the Articles:

  1. Top Left Article:

    • Title: "Fogg Art Museum Shows Recent Accessions"
    • Content: Discusses recent acquisitions by the Fogg Art Museum, including a collection of Japanese pottery, embroidery, and other art objects. The article mentions the display of unsigned examples of Japanese pottery, which are described as being of high quality and comparable to signed masterworks. It also highlights the historical significance of these pieces, some of which are over a century old. The article notes the museum's efforts to preserve and display these items, emphasizing their importance and the techniques used in their creation.
  2. Top Right Article:

    • Title: "Buddha Bronze Divinity"
    • Content: This article describes a bronze figure representing a Buddha, identified by Sir Aurel Stein. The figure is described as being in excellent condition and of significant historical value. The article mentions the figure's origin, its journey to the museum, and its importance in the context of Buddhist art. It also discusses the figure's craftsmanship and the techniques used in its creation.
  3. Middle Left Article:

    • Title: "Dance of Death Completed!"
    • Content: This article discusses the completion of a series of woodcuts titled "The Dance of Death" by Hans Holbein the Younger. The woodcuts are described as being among the finest in the series, and the article highlights the significance of these works in the context of Renaissance art. It also mentions the historical context of the woodcuts and their impact on the art world.
  4. Middle Right Article:

    • Title: "Exhibition of Varied Objects Contains Excavation Finds as Well as Other Art"
    • Content: This article describes an exhibition that includes a variety of objects, both excavated finds and other art pieces. The exhibition is noted for its exceptional quality and the historical significance of the items on display. The article mentions the inclusion of objects from different periods and cultures, highlighting the diversity of the collection.
  5. Bottom Left Article:

    • Title: "Transcript"
    • Content: This article appears to be a transcript of a speech or presentation, possibly related to the museum's recent acquisitions or exhibitions. The content is not fully visible, but it seems to discuss the importance of preserving and displaying historical artifacts.
  6. Bottom Right Article:

    • Title: "Dance of Death Completed!"
    • Content: This article is a continuation of the middle left article, providing additional details about the completion of Hans Holbein's woodcuts. It discusses the historical context of the woodcuts and their significance in the art world.

Overall Analysis:
The page presents a collection of articles focused on art and historical artifacts, with a particular emphasis on recent acquisitions and exhibitions at the Fogg Art Museum. The articles highlight the importance of preserving and displaying these items, discussing their historical significance, craftsmanship, and the techniques used in their creation. The layout and style of the articles suggest that they are from a publication aimed at an audience interested in art history and museum collections.

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The image depicts a scanned page from a publication titled "Harvard Alumni Bulletin", dated January 21, 1949, and specifically referencing the Fogg Art Museum. The page appears to be a transcript or article discussing recent acquisitions and notable exhibits at the museum. Here is a detailed description:

Header and Title

  • The top of the page shows the publication's name, "Harvard Alumni Bulletin", with a subheading indicating it is the Fogg Art Museum issue.
  • The date is prominently displayed as January 21, 1949.
  • There is a handwritten note in the top right corner that reads "Fogg Art Museum", likely a classification or cataloging note.

Main Content

The page is divided into several sections, each discussing different aspects of the Fogg Art Museum's recent activities:

1. Fogg Art Museum Display of Japanese Pottery

  • The article begins by highlighting the museum's display of more than fifty examples of Japanese pottery, emphasizing the works of famous Japanese potters.
  • It describes the ancient kilns and household uses of these pieces, noting that many are now appreciated in their country of origin.
  • The article mentions that the glazes on these pieces have mellowed over a century, and some were covered in France and Saint Mary Magdalen in Japan, where they were used as tiny night lights before the advent of electricity.
  • The underglaze painting is described as the simplest decoration, and the results are attributed to the artist's genius.

2. Recent Accessions: Collection of Varied Objects

  • A section titled "Recent Accessions" discusses a new exhibition at the Fogg Museum, featuring a collection of varied objects as well as other art.
  • The exhibition includes embroidery, textiles, and free-hand genius of the race.
  • The article notes that the collection was purchased or gifted during the past few months and highlights its exceptional quality and preservation.
  • Specific details include:
    • Embroidery: Described as Spanish in the vicinity of Valencia, dating from around 1400. The embroidery features chasse-shaped reps from the Crucifixion, emblems of the Passion, and a beau-dalene.
    • Textiles: Mentioned as three scenes from the life of the Virgin, including the Presentation and the meeting of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne at the Golden Gate.
    • Other Art: The article also references Buddhist bronze divinity, Chinese early Buddhist drawings, and pottery bowls.

3. The Dance of Death

  • A subsection discusses The Dance of Death, a great Triumph Car gifted by Albrecht Durer in 1522. The article notes that while the piece was planned by Durer's family, it was glory not by him but by George D. Pratt.
  • It mentions that the piece is part of the Fogg Museum's collection, and the Dance of Death is noted as one of the most important works in the museum.

4. Results of Excavation

  • The article reports on the results of excavation at the Fogg Museum, noting that the frequently one sight of the fact is that the Harvard Excavation of 1927 and 1928 helped to support important excavations.
  • It describes the discovery of a city about 1600 B.C. near Babylon, which was destroyed by fire around 1400 B.C. The city was a temple or sanctuary and had proper names that have been identified.
  • The article also mentions additions to the Oriental Department, including Buddhist sculpture excavated in Mongolia in the past year, classified as a recent repair and mounting thought since not strictly to be classed as a "recent antique."

Visual Layout

  • The page is formatted in a typewritten or printed text style, with clear headings and subheadings.
  • The text is dense and informational, typical of an academic or museum bulletin.
  • There are no visible images or illustrations on this page; it relies solely on textual descriptions.

Overall Context

The page serves as a summary of the Fogg Art Museum's recent acquisitions, exhibitions, and archaeological findings. It highlights the museum's role in preserving and displaying significant art and artifacts from various cultures and historical periods, emphasizing both artistic mastery and historical importance. The content reflects the museum's commitment to scholarly research and public education.

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The image depicts a scanned newspaper clipping from the Harvard Crimson Bulletin, dated February 29, 1929, featuring an article titled "Fogg Museum Shows Recent Accessions." The article discusses the Fogg Art Museum's recent acquisitions and exhibitions, including a collection of Japanese pottery and a display of embroidery from the 18th century. The clipping is placed on a white background, with a hole punch visible on the right side, suggesting it was once part of a binder or folder. The overall appearance of the image is one of historical significance, providing a glimpse into the past through the preserved newspaper clipping.

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This image is a scanned page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, dated January 31, 1929. The page features two articles about the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University.

Article 1: Fogg Art Museum

The first article discusses the museum's collection of Japanese pottery, which includes over fifty examples of famous Japanese potters' work. The collection is described as "not the signed master works of famous Japanese potters, which are always eagerly sought by collectors, but the ordinary pottery produced by the ancient kilns and devoted to household uses." The article highlights the importance of these pieces, stating that they are "not always appreciated in the country of their origin" and that they show the effects of years of use, which has mellowed the glazes and lent them the patina that collectors prize.

Article 2: Fogg Museum Shows Recent Accessions

The second article discusses the museum's recent acquisitions, including a collection of varied objects that contain excavation finds as well as other art. The article mentions that the exhibition of recent accessions has opened at the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, and includes material acquired by the museum either by purchase or gift during the past few months. The article highlights the importance of these acquisitions, stating that they are "a set of embroideries hitherto unknown and unpublished" and that they are "a collection of varied objects that contain excavation finds as well as other art."

Additional Information

The page also includes a transcript date of February 27, 1929, and a note that the articles were written by an unknown author. Overall, the image provides insight into the Fogg Art Museum's collections and exhibitions in the late 1920s, highlighting the importance of these pieces and their significance in the world of art.

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The image is a scanned copy of a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, dated January 24, 1929. The page is divided into two columns, with the left column featuring an article titled "FOGG ART MUSEUM" and the right column containing three separate articles.

Left Column:

  • The article discusses the Fogg Art Museum's recent acquisitions, including a collection of Japanese pottery and other objects.
  • The text is written in a formal tone and includes details about the museum's exhibitions and collections.

Right Column:

  • The three articles are:
    • "The background of these embroideries is worked in threads of pure gold, which has been couched in a diaper pattern with red and green silk."
    • "Buddhist Bronze Divinity"
    • "The Death of Death Completed!!"
  • Each article is accompanied by a brief summary or introduction, and they appear to be discussing various art pieces and exhibitions at the Fogg Art Museum.

Additional Features:

  • The page has three holes punched along the right edge, suggesting that it was once part of a binder or folder.
  • The text is typed on a beige-colored paper, which may be a reproduction of the original page.
  • The overall design and layout of the page suggest that it is a scanned copy of a historical document.

Context:

  • The Harvard Alumni Bulletin was a publication sent to Harvard University alumni, and this page likely represents a typical issue from the late 1920s.
  • The Fogg Art Museum is now known as the Harvard Art Museums, and it is one of the largest and most respected art museums in the United States.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the art world of the late 1920s, highlighting the Fogg Art Museum's collections and exhibitions during that time period.

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The image presents a vintage newsletter or bulletin, likely from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, dated January 24, 1929. The document is printed on off-white paper and features three newspaper clippings pasted onto it.

Header Section:
The top of the page displays handwritten text in black ink, including "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," "Jan 24, 1929," and "Fogg Art Museum." A small, illegible note is situated to the right of the date.

Newspaper Clippings:
Three newspaper clippings are arranged vertically on the page, each with a distinct title:

  • Fogg Museum Shows Recent Acquisitions: This clipping discusses the Fogg Museum's recent acquisitions, including a collection of varied objects containing excavation finds and other art.
  • The Dance of Death Completed!: This article announces the completion of "The Dance of Death" by Albrecht Dürer, which is now part of the Fogg Museum's collection.
  • The third clipping appears to be a continuation of the first article, discussing the museum's recent acquisitions.

Binding Holes:
The page has three holes punched along its right edge, suggesting that it was once bound in a binder or folder.

Background:
The background of the image is a light gray color, providing a neutral backdrop for the vintage newsletter.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the Fogg Museum's collections and exhibitions during the late 1920s, showcasing its diverse holdings and commitment to preserving cultural heritage.