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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, 1933

ARCH.2003.27, Rendition: 798985

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The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin" (issue number 131). The content on the page discusses Japanese color prints, highlighting their artistic significance and the technical skill required to produce them. Key points include:

  1. Collection Highlights: The text mentions notable prints in a collection, including rare works by Hokusai and silver prints by Utamaro. It emphasizes the charm and quality of these prints, particularly those from the Fuji-Ninzo series.

  2. Artistic Comparison: The prints are compared to the work of Western artists like Daumier and Sharaku, noting the latter's vibrant and vehement character.

  3. Surimono Prints: These prints, created for special occasions, are described as exquisite in design and color. They are accompanied by poetry, enhancing their appeal.

  4. Critique of Western Perception: The text criticizes the Western tendency to dismiss Japanese prints as merely decorative, arguing that they possess technical skill and artistic merit comparable to Western art.

  5. Technical Excellence: Japanese color prints are praised for their high technical standards, including the use of fine pigments and precise craftsmanship.

  6. Historical Context: The prints are seen as successors to a noble tradition, with their vibrancy and skill being a testament to Japanese artistry.

Additionally, the page includes a brief news item about the discontinuation of the "rising bell" at Harvard, which had rung at 7 A.M. since the earliest days of the college. The bell was discontinued due to complaints and a lack of good reason for its continuation.

Lastly, there is a notice about Lloyd K. Garrison, '19, of Madison, Wisconsin, resigning as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

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The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 131. The page is discussing Japanese prints and a historical note about the Harvard Bell.

  1. Japanese Prints Discussion:

    • The text highlights the fine, strong draughtsmanship and unique significance of Japanese prints, particularly those by Harunobu and Utamaro.
    • Notable prints include "The Flute Player" by Harunobu and the series "Courtesan in Deshabille" by Utamaro, which are praised for their quality and artistic value.
    • The article mentions Surimono prints, which are special occasion prints, and their poetic accompaniments, emphasizing their aesthetic appeal.
    • It is noted that Japanese prints often have a sophisticated sense of color harmony and a refined, elegant quality that is rare in Western graphic arts.
  2. Herbert Williams' Contribution:

    • The text also touches on the distinction of Japanese prints, mentioning Herman Williams, who is described as having a significant impact in the field of color printing.
  3. Rising Bell Discontinued:

    • The page includes a note about the Harvard Bell. The bell, previously rung at 7 A.M., has been discontinued by President Conant. The note explains that there was no good reason to continue the bell's ringing, and it was ordered to be discontinued.
    • Historical context is provided, noting that the bell has rung every morning since Harvard College's earliest days, with the hour initially set at 5 A.M., then changed to 6 A.M., and finally to 7 A.M.
  4. Harvard Alumni Association Update:

    • Lloyd K. Garrison, a director of the Harvard Alumni Association, is noted to have resigned from his position.

The page is part of a discussion on artistic heritage and institutional history, combining appreciation for art with historical facts.

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HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN

131

cumstance, coupled with the fine, strong draughtsmanship, makes this example one of unusual significance. The collection boasts, as well, three of the very rare and exquisite pillar prints of the great artist Harunobu, one of which is a superb impression of the famous print 'The Flute Player.' Notable also are the silver prints of the refined and sensitive master Utamaro, rare in number and great in quality. His 'Courtesan in Deshabille,' from the Fuji Ninzo series, is charming in the surging quality of the line and the subtle harmony of color. Of great importance, too, is the fine group of prints by the genius, Sharaku, who, with bitter and penetrating satire of an even more vehement character than Daumier, lampooned the feted matinee idols of his day.

"In some respects the most noteworthy characteristic of the collection is the large number of Surimono prints which were produced to celebrate special occasions and festivals. On these small prints all the resources of the designer were lavished. Their delightful nature is made the more apparent by the sparkling gems of poetry which accompany them and serve as a running comment to the pictured representation, such as: 'The petals of the camellia bush are falling steadily like the white stream of a water fall,' and 'The fragrance of the plum lingers in her sleeves while the nightingale flies away in the spring wind.'

"It is sometimes felt that Japanese prints in general are too often lightly dismissed by the average Westerner as being simply pleasing patterns of decorative value. Be it remembered, however, their true significance and real beauty is more than a mere surface decoration; and, in addition to this attractive composition, they are the product of a high standard of technical skill, they are executed with an exact knowledge and appreciation of the limitations of the medium of the block print, and are characterized by vigorous draughtsmanship and an exquisite sense of color harmony. They are no mean and decadent successors to a once noble tradition. In their particular field they carry on with vividness, taste, and ability a sound and living phase of art. Surely the products of this guild of craftsmen are, and will remain, models of composition in line and in color, which have not yet been equalled, much less surpassed, by Western designers in the same medium. The Japanese color print should not be considered as a reproduction, for there is no mechanical feature in the printing; rather, each impression may be regarded as a watercolor produced by hand pressure.

"A fascinating variety characterizes these impressions, no two being quite alike. Technically and aesthetically they exemplify the highest order of artistic achievement in the field of the color print. They possess, in common with the nobler manifestations of Japanese art, a certain abstraction of beauty refreshing to those somewhat wearied with the cluttered realism which is not infrequently a characteristic of Western graphic arts. The finest of the color prints of the great artists of the Ukiyo-e school may well be classified as masterpieces of rare distinction."

HERMAN WILLIAMS.

Rising Bell Discontinued

"The 'rising bell,' which through many years has been rung at 7 A. M. on the bell in Harvard Hall, has been discontinued. President Conant stated a few days ago that he had looked into the matter, found no good reason for continuing the 7 o'clock bell, and therefore ordered that it be discontinued.

"According to the Crimson, which has looked up the records, the rising bell has been rung every morning since the very earliest days of Harvard College. At first the hour was fixed at 5 A. M.; then it was changed to 6, and subsequently to 7 A. M.

Harvard Alumni Association

Lloyd K. Garrison, '19, of Madison, Wis., has resigned as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

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The image displays a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 131. The content on the page includes two main articles:

  1. Article on Japanese Prints:

    • This article discusses a collection of Japanese prints, highlighting their artistic significance and the refined skills of the artists.
    • The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Hokusai, with a notable print titled "The Flute Player," and Utamaro, known for his sensitive portraits.
    • The article mentions the "Fuji Ninzo" series by Hokusai, praising its harmony of color and the subtlety of line.
    • It also describes a set of prints by Sharaku, admired for their penetrating characterizations of actors.
    • Surimono prints, which are small and rare, are noted for their lavish resources and delightful nature.
    • The article emphasizes that Japanese prints, despite their decorative value, possess true significance and beauty, combining technical skill with an appreciation of artistic limitations.
    • These prints are characterized by vigorous draftsmanship and an exquisite sense of color harmony, making them both manly and decent.
  2. Article on the Discontinuation of the Rising Bell:

    • The article announces the discontinuation of the traditional "rising bell" at Harvard Hall.
    • The rising bell had been rung for many years at 7 A.M. to signal the start of the day.
    • President Conant decided to discontinue it, finding no good reason to continue the practice.
    • The bell was initially rung at 5 A.M., then changed to 6 A.M., and finally to 7 A.M.

Additionally, there is a notice about Lloyd K. Garrison, who resigned as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

The page number is 85 in the top right corner, indicating it is part of a larger publication.

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The image is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 131. The content discusses a collection of Japanese prints and other related topics.

  1. Japanese Prints:

    • The article highlights a collection of Japanese prints, focusing on the exceptional quality and artistic significance of the pieces.
    • It mentions a superb impression of the print "The Flute Player" by Harunobu, and other notable works by artists like Utamaro, Sharaku, and Daumier.
    • The collection includes Surimono prints, which were produced for special occasions and festivals, often lavished with resources and accompanied by poetry.
    • The text emphasizes the technical skill and artistic appreciation of the medium, noting the vivid color harmony and the fine draughtsmanship of these prints.
    • It also discusses the uniqueness of Japanese color prints, comparing them to Western designs and noting their distinct aesthetic qualities.
  2. Rising Bell Discontinued:

    • The article notes that the "rising bell," which has been rung every morning at 7 A.M. on the bell in Harvard Hall since the earliest days of Harvard College, has been discontinued.
    • President Conant decided to stop the tradition, as he found no good reason for continuing it.
  3. Harvard Alumni Association:

    • Lloyd K. Garrison, '19, of Madison, Wisconsin, has resigned as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

The page is numbered 85 on the top right corner and includes the header "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN" prominently at the top.

Mistral, mistral.ministral-3-8b-instruct

The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin" (Volume 131). The text on the page discusses a collection of Japanese prints, highlighting their artistic significance and craftsmanship. Key points include:

  1. Collection Significance: The collection includes rare and exquisite prints by notable artists such as Harunobu, Utamaro, Sharaku, and Daumier. It features prints like "The Flute Player" by Harunobu, which are praised for their strong draughtsmanship and fine quality.

  2. Artistic Highlights:

    • Harunobu: Known for his print "The Flute Player."
    • Utamaro: Renowned for his series 'Courtesan in Deshabille' and 'Fuji Ninzo,' showcasing refined and sensitive artistry.
    • Sharaku: His prints are noted for their penetrating character studies.
    • Daumier: His lampooning style is mentioned.
  3. Special Occasion Prints: The collection also includes a large number of Surimono prints, which were produced to celebrate special occasions and festivals, demonstrating the designer's lavish resources and the delightful nature of the poetry accompanying them.

  4. Technical and Artistic Appreciation: The text emphasizes that Japanese prints are often underestimated by Westerners. They are seen as having more than mere decorative value, with significant surface decoration and an exact knowledge of the limitations of the block print medium. The prints are characterized by a sense of color harmony and are not considered mean or decadent.

  5. Rising Bell Discontinuation: Another section of the page discusses the discontinuation of the "rising bell" at Harvard Hall, which was rung at 7 AM. President Conant decided to discontinue this practice due to insufficient justification for its continuation.

  6. Harvard Alumni Association: Lloyd K. Garrison, from Madison, Wisconsin, is noted for resigning as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

The page is numbered 131 and the document number is 85.

Azure OpenAI Service, gpt-4

This image appears to display a scanned page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin” with the page number 131 visible at the top right corner. The text on the page discusses various topics, though the beginning part is not fully visible due to the page being turned. There is a mention of the striking draughtsmanship of "Japanese prints which are numbered among the small works of art," noting their quality, rarity, and aesthetic value. It discusses silver prints by an artist named Hazard and the exceptional nature of Japanese prints, comparing them to Western design.

Part of the text also talks about the discontinuation of a tradition at Harvard, where a "rising bell" that used to ring at 7 A.M. on the campus has been stopped. The lower section of the page contains information from the Harvard Alumni Association, mentioning an individual named Lloyd K. Garrison, '19, resigning as a director of the Association.

The text on this page is neatly organized in columns and paragraphs, typical of printed newsletters or bulletins.

Azure OpenAI Service, gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14

The image shows a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 131. The text on the page discusses the significance and quality of Japanese prints, highlighting some famous artists such as Harunobu, Utamaro, and Sharaku, and emphasizing the technical skill and artistic merit found in these works. It notes how these prints are more than mere decorative objects, possessing deeper artistic value and craftsmanship, comparing them favorably to Western designs.

The page also includes a brief notice titled "Rising Bell Discontinued," explaining that the morning bell rung at 7 A.M. in Harvard Hall has been discontinued following a review by President Conant.

Lastly, there is a small announcement from the Harvard Alumni Association regarding Lloyd K. Garrison's resignation as a director of the Association.

The page number "85" is handwritten in the top right corner of the surrounding mounting page, which also has three punched holes on the left side, indicating it was likely part of a bound or stored collection. The bulletin page itself is neat and printed in a serif typeface with justified text alignment. A handwritten name, "Herman Williams," appears in blue ink below the main article.

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The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 131 from issue 85. The page features a printed text discussing the artistic and cultural significance of Japanese prints, particularly focusing on the works of notable artists such as Utamaro, Sharaku, and others. The text highlights the craftsmanship, technical skill, and aesthetic qualities of these prints, emphasizing their value beyond mere decorative purposes. It also touches on the historical context of Japanese printmaking, comparing it to Western traditions and noting the unique characteristics that set it apart.

Additionally, the page includes a section titled "Rising Bell Discontinued", which reports on the discontinuation of the "rising bell" at Harvard Hall, a longstanding tradition. The article mentions that the bell, which had rung at 7 A.M. for many years, was discontinued due to complaints from President Conant. It also references historical records from The Crimson, detailing the bell's early history and changes in its ringing schedule over time.

At the bottom of the page, there is a brief note about the Harvard Alumni Association, stating that Lloyd K. Garrison, '19, of Madison, Wis., has resigned as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

The page appears to be part of a formal publication, likely from the early to mid-20th century, judging by the style of typography and the content's focus on cultural and institutional matters. The layout is clean and structured, with clear headings and paragraphs, typical of a bulletin or newsletter format.

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The image is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, dated 1913. The page is titled "Harvard Alumni Bulletin" and has a page number 131. The content of the page discusses Japanese prints, highlighting their artistic value and craftsmanship. It mentions specific prints and artists, such as Harunobu and the Fuji Ninzotan series, and praises the prints for their beauty, technical skill, and aesthetic qualities. The page also briefly mentions the discontinuation of the "rising bell" at Harvard University, which has been rung at various times and has undergone changes in its schedule. The page concludes with a note about the resignation of Lloyd K. Garrison as a director of the Harvard Alumni Association.