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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, January 1929-December 1931

ARCH.2003.25, Rendition: 793953

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The image appears to be a scanned copy of a newspaper article or a section of a document, dated March 1, 1930, and it discusses an exhibition of Alceo Dossena's "Forgeries" at the Verin Berlinger Kunst Haus in Berlin. The article is titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance," and it seems to be analyzing and reviewing Dossena's work, which includes marble reliefs and sculptures.

The article mentions that Dossena's works have been recognized for their resemblance to Italian Renaissance sculptures, specifically comparing his reliefs to the style of Mino da Fiesole and Donatello. It discusses the reception and impact of Dossena's exhibition, noting its success in attracting a wide range of interest and comment. The article also touches on the controversy surrounding Dossena's work, including discussions about authenticity, creativity, and the distinction between original and imitative art.

The middle of the document features a black-and-white image of what appears to be a sculpture, possibly one of Dossena's works. Below the image, there is a caption that reads, "A Dossena Sculpture That Is Not a Fake," providing additional information about the authenticity of the sculpture and its provenance, including its presentation at the Fogg Museum, Harvard University.

The document is bound with staples on the right side, suggesting it might be from a bound collection or scrapbook. The text and the image are clear and legible, allowing for a detailed analysis of the content and the context in which Dossena's work was being discussed at the time.

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This image is a scanned copy of a newspaper clipping. The clipping is titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance" and discusses an exhibition of the works of Alceo Dossena, who was known for his "forgeries" of Renaissance art. The article mentions that the exhibition, held at the Verin Berlinger Kunst Haus in Berlin, has attracted wide interest and much comment. It goes on to describe Dossena's ability to create works that fooled critics of ancient sculpture and the public's fascination with his art.

The clipping includes a photograph of a Dossena sculpture, which is described as "An Original and Signed Marble Relief by Alceo Dossena." The sculpture depicts a scene with two figures, one of whom appears to be kneeling. The article notes that Dossena's work was so convincing that it was mistaken for authentic Renaissance pieces by collectors and museums.

The bottom of the clipping has a handwritten note that says "Transcript, March 1, 1930." There is also a note on the right side that says "(See next page)," indicating that the article continues on another page. The clipping is placed on a piece of white paper with three holes punched on the right side, suggesting it was part of a binder or folder.

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This image displays a single page from a publication, likely a newspaper clipping or a transcript, dated March 1, 1930, as printed at the bottom. The page is printed on aged, off-white paper with three punched holes along the right margin, suggesting it was stored in a binder.

The main headline reads:

About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance

The article centers on Aleo Dossena, an Italian sculptor whose works — dubbed “forgeries” — were exhibited at the Von Berliner Kunst Haus in Berlin and attracted significant public and critical attention.

The text addresses the controversy surrounding Dossena. It notes that while his sculptures were initially presented and sold as genuine Renaissance artifacts, they were later revealed to be modern creations. Despite this, the article argues that Dossena’s skill is worthy of recognition in its own right, praising his ability to embody the “spirit of the Italian Renaissance sculptors” and calling him “a really great sculptor.”

The article delves into the cultural and commercial implications of his work, questioning whether the act of imitating antiquity harms the art market or simply showcases a master artisan’s virtuosity. It contrasts Germany’s appreciation of Dossena with England’s more cautious, possibly legalistic, approach to authenticity.

Central to the page is a large, monochrome illustration showing a sculpted marble relief. The caption beneath it reads:

A Dossena Sculpture That Is Not a Fake
An Original and Signed Marble Relief by Aleo Dossena, Whose Alleged Forgeries of Antique Sculpture Found Their Way Into Many Noted Private and Public Collections. “Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene” Was Presented to the Fogg Museum, Harvard University, as an Authentic Example of Dossena’s Work by a Friend of the Institution. It Is Dated 1928.

This juxtaposition of the headline “About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance” with a relief captioned “Not a Fake,” despite his reputation for “forgeries,” frames a nuanced argument: that Dossena’s work transcends mere imitation and qualifies as authentic creative artistry in its own right.

The article concludes with a note to “(See next page)”, indicating this is part of a longer piece.

Overall, the document is a thoughtful commentary on art, authenticity, and artistic legacy, using Dossena’s controversial career to explore broader questions about creativity, value, and historical imitation in art.

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The image is a scanned document that appears to be an article from a newspaper or magazine, dated March 1, 1920. The article is titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance." The article discusses the recent exhibition of the works of Aleco Dossena, an Italian sculptor, in Berlin, Germany. The exhibition has attracted much interest and comment, and the article explores the controversy surrounding Dossena's works, which are often mistaken for ancient sculptures.

The article begins with a quote from Dossena, who acknowledges that his works have brought him attention, but he believes that his true greatness as a creator lies in his ability to create something new rather than copying others. The article then delves into the controversy surrounding Dossena's works, which are often mistaken for ancient sculptures. The author argues that while it is understandable that some of Dossena's works may be mistaken for ancient sculptures, it is important for art enthusiasts to be able to distinguish between the two.

The article also mentions a specific case where a sculpture of Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene was presented to the Fogg Museum at Harvard University as an authentic example of Dossena's work, but it was later revealed to be a forgery. The article concludes by warning art enthusiasts to be cautious when purchasing works of art and to ensure that they have been submitted to every test for authenticity before making a purchase.

The image also includes a drawing of a sculpture that is mentioned in the article, which appears to be a depiction of a man and a woman in a seated position, possibly in a religious context. The drawing is in black and white and appears to be a reproduction of an original work by Dossena.

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The image is a scanned document featuring a newspaper article about the sculptor Ales Dossena, titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance." The article is dated March 1, 1920, and is presented on a white background with a beige border. The text is printed in black ink, with the title in bold, larger font.

The article is divided into two columns, with the left column containing the main text and the right column featuring a photograph of a sculpture by Dossena. The photograph shows a detailed, life-sized figure of a man, likely in a classical Renaissance style, with intricate details and a sense of movement. The sculpture appears to be made of stone, and the figure is depicted in a dynamic pose, possibly engaged in a narrative or mythological scene.

The text on the left column discusses Dossena's career and his reputation as a skilled imitator of Renaissance sculptures. It mentions an exhibition of his works in Berlin, which attracted significant attention and sparked discussions about the authenticity of his creations. The article highlights Dossena's talent for imitating the style of ancient sculptures and his ability to deceive critics and collectors with his works. It also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding the creation and sale of such imitations, noting that some of his sculptures were sold as original Renaissance pieces.

The article concludes with a discussion of the importance of recognizing and appreciating Dossena's skill as an artist, despite the controversy surrounding his work. It emphasizes the value of his craftsmanship and the need to distinguish between imitation and forgery in the art world.

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The image is a scanned page from a transcript dated March 1, 1930, titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance." It appears to be an article or essay discussing the work of Alesso Dossena, an Italian sculptor known for his forgeries of Renaissance art. The page is divided into two main sections:

Left Side: Text Content

  • Headline: "Exhibition of His 'Forgesies' in Berlin Attracts Wide Interest and Much Comment"
  • The text provides an in-depth analysis of Dossena's work and the controversy surrounding it. Key points include:
    • Dossena's forgeries were initially brought to public attention in Berlin, where an exhibition of his works was held at the Velin Berliner Kunst Haus.
    • The author describes Dossena as a "forgotten" artist who had been largely overlooked until his works were rediscovered.
    • The article discusses the impact of Dossena's forgeries on the art world, noting that while his works were initially praised for their authenticity, they were later revealed to be forgeries.
    • The text highlights the ethical and legal implications of Dossena's actions, referencing a case where a jury ruled that a professional collector could not sue for damages over a forged piece.
    • The author reflects on the broader implications for the art market, suggesting that Dossena's forgeries exposed vulnerabilities in authentication processes and the challenges faced by collectors and institutions.

Right Side: Image

  • Caption: "A Dossena Sculpture That Is Not a Fake"
  • Below the caption, there is a photograph of a marble relief sculpture attributed to Alesso Dossena. The sculpture is described as an "Original and Signed Marble Relief by Alesso Dossena, Whose Alleged Forgeries of Antique Sculpture Found Their Way Into Many Noted Private and Public Collections."
  • The sculpture is identified as "Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalen," which was presented to the Fogg Museum, Harvard University, as an authentic example of Dossena's work. The piece is dated 1928.
  • The image serves as visual evidence to support the discussion in the text, illustrating the type of work that sparked the controversy.

Overall Context

The page combines textual analysis and visual documentation to explore the legacy of Alesso Dossena, a sculptor whose forgeries of Renaissance art caused significant upheaval in the art world. The article reflects on the ethical, legal, and market implications of his work, while the accompanying image provides a tangible example of the sculptures at the center of the debate. The transcript format suggests this is part of a larger discussion or lecture series on art forgery and authenticity.

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The image depicts a newspaper clipping from March 1, 1930, featuring an article about the artist Dossena and his works. The article is titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance" and includes a sketch of one of his sculptures.

  • Title and Date
    • The title of the article is "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance."
    • The date of the article is March 1, 1930.
  • Article Content
    • The article discusses Dossena's artistic style and his ability to recreate Renaissance-era works.
    • It mentions that Dossena's works have been recognized as authentic and valuable.
    • The article also notes that Dossena's sculptures are highly sought after by collectors.
  • Sketch
    • The sketch is of one of Dossena's sculptures.
    • It appears to be a marble relief depicting a scene from ancient mythology.
    • The sketch is rendered in a classical style, with intricate details and textures.
  • Background
    • The background of the image is a light gray color.
    • There are two holes punched in the top-right corner of the clipping, suggesting that it was once attached to a binder or scrapbook.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the life and work of Dossena, an artist who was known for his ability to recreate Renaissance-era works. The sketch of one of his sculptures adds a visual element to the article, giving readers a better understanding of his artistic style and technique.

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This image depicts a newspaper clipping featuring an article about the Renaissance artist Alseu Dossena, accompanied by a sketch of one of his sculptures. The article, titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance," discusses Dossena's work and its significance in the art world.

The sketch, situated below the article, is a detailed rendering of a sculpture depicting a woman and a child. The woman is shown standing on the right side of the image, while the child is seated on the left. The sculpture appears to be made of marble or another white stone, and it is rendered in exquisite detail, with intricate folds in the woman's clothing and delicate features on both figures.

The newspaper clipping is yellowed with age, suggesting that it may have been published several decades ago. The text is written in a formal, antiquated style, which adds to the overall sense of nostalgia and historical significance. Overall, the image provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Alseu Dossena, a talented artist who was able to recreate the beauty and elegance of the Renaissance era.

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The image is a scanned newspaper clipping titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance" with a beige background and black text.

Title Section:
The title is prominently displayed at the top of the page in large, bold font on a brown strip. The title reads "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance."

Article:
Below the title, the article is divided into three columns of text, discussing Alceo Dossena, an Italian sculptor known for creating forgeries of Renaissance art. The article highlights Dossena's skill in replicating the style of ancient sculptures and his ability to deceive even experts.

Image:
A sepia-toned image of a marble relief sculpture is featured below the article. The sculpture depicts two figures, one kneeling and the other standing, surrounded by foliage. The caption beneath the image reads: "A Dossena Sculpture That Is Not a Fake." It describes the sculpture as an original and signed marble relief by Alceo Dossena, created in 1928.

Additional Information:
At the bottom of the page, the text "Transcript March 1, 1920" is printed in small font. The page has three holes punched along the right edge, indicating that it was once part of a binder or folder.

Overall:
The image appears to be a historical document or archival material related to Alceo Dossena and his work as a sculptor and forger.

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The image presents a scanned newspaper clipping, titled "About Dossena, Recreator of the Renaissance," which features an article about the artist Alceo Dossena. The clipping is yellowed and has a rectangular shape with a rough edge on the left side.

Article Content:

  • The article discusses Dossena's work, including his sculptures and forgeries.
  • It highlights his ability to create realistic replicas of ancient art pieces.
  • The article also mentions that Dossena's work has been exhibited in Berlin and has attracted significant attention.

Image and Caption:

  • A black-and-white image of one of Dossena's sculptures is included in the article.
  • The caption below the image reads, "A Dossena Sculpture That Is Not a Fake" and provides additional information about the sculpture.

Additional Text:

  • A handwritten note at the bottom of the page reads, "Transcript, March 1, 1920."
  • Three holes are punched along the right side of the clipping, 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 newspaper clipping.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the life and work of Alceo Dossena, an artist known for his realistic forgeries of ancient art pieces. The article and image offer insight into his creative process and the attention his work received during his time.