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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, February 1941-October 1943

ARCH.2003.28, Rendition: 800628

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This image appears to be a collage or collection of newspaper clippings, likely from the year 1941, discussing the exhibition of Pablo Picasso's famous painting "Guernica" at the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University. The clippings are from different newspapers, as indicated by the logos and headers, such as "Herald," "Chronicle Sun," and "Recorder." The clippings are cut and pasted onto a larger piece of paper, which has a yellowed, aged appearance, suggesting it might be an old document.

The upper section of the paper features a photograph of the painting "Guernica" on display at the museum, with a caption stating that Harvard students were puzzled by the painting. The text accompanying the photograph explains the significance of the painting and its controversial reception at Harvard.

The lower section includes a larger article titled "Fantasmagoria or Plain 'Nuts': Harvard Division over Picasso," which discusses the divided reactions of Harvard faculty and students to Picasso's work. The article delves into the interpretation of the painting, describing its surrealistic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica and the differing opinions on whether the artwork is a masterpiece or controversial.

The clippings are labeled with dates such as "OCT 2 1941," and there is a note on the left side that appears to be a handwritten label, possibly indicating the source or the collection in which these clippings were kept. The overall impression is that this document is a historical record of the public and academic reaction to Picasso's "Guernica" at Harvard in 1941.

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This image is a page from a scrapbook or file containing newspaper clippings about an exhibit of Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" at Harvard University. The clippings are from various newspapers, including the "Christian Science Monitor," the "Chronicle Sun," and the "Herald," all dated October 2, 1941.

The main headline reads "Harvard Exhibits Picasso Painting" and discusses the display of Picasso's surrealistic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica, Spain. The painting, described as "one of the most spectacular pictures ever to be exhibited," is on public display at the Fogg Art Museum for two weeks.

There is a photograph in the center of the page showing a group of people, described as "Puzzled Harvard Students," viewing the painting. The caption explains that the painting has been termed "one of the most significant paintings of the 20th century" and is an interpretation of the horrors of modern warfare.

The bottom part of the page features an article titled "Fantasmagoria or Plain 'Nuts' Harvard Division Over Picasso," which discusses the divided opinions about the painting among Harvard faculty and students. Some found it to be a powerful and graphic masterpiece, while others found it confusing or nonsensical.

The page also includes a label at the top right corner indicating that it is from a "Press Clipping Service" based in Boston, Massachusetts. The overall tone of the clippings reflects the controversy and mixed reactions to Picasso's work at the time.

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This image displays a vintage, aged newspaper clipping mounted on a piece of light brown cardboard or scrapbook paper, dated October 2, 1941. The clipping is from the "Press Clipping Service" located at 2 Park Square, Boston, Mass., and includes handwritten annotations and stamps indicating it was recorded in Cambridge, Mass., on the same date.

The clipping documents the controversial public exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s monumental painting “Guernica” at Harvard University’s Fogg Museum. The article headline reads:

“FANTASMAGORIA OR PLAIN ‘NUTS’ HARVARD DIVISION OVER PICASSO”

The page contains several related newspaper articles, including one titled “Harvard Exhibits Picasso Painting,” and another “Sensational Picture At Fogg Museum.” These articles collectively report that the 25-foot by 11-foot black-and-white mural — which depicts the 1937 bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War — was on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The exhibition stirred strong reactions among Harvard students and faculty. The newspaper describes visitors as “puzzled,” “stunned,” and “baffled,” with some calling the painting “fantasmagoria” or “nuts,” while others found it “powerful and graphic.” One article quotes an “associate professor of fine arts” who called the painting an attempt to “express horror by evoking associations from the kaleidoscopic fantasmagoria of images” — a reference to the painting’s fragmented, nightmarish composition.

A small, grainy black-and-white photograph accompanying the articles shows several people, likely Harvard students or faculty, standing in front of the massive painting, illustrating its imposing scale and the public’s engagement with it.

Handwritten in pencil on the left margin of the clipping are the words: “Christian Science Monitor — Oct. 1, 1941”, indicating the source newspaper.

The clipping is visibly aged, with yellowed paper, torn corners, and a hole punch on the right side — suggesting it was part of a historical archive or personal scrapbook. The clipping serves as a historical record of the American reception of one of the 20th century’s most politically charged and artistically significant artworks during the early years of World War II.

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The image shows a brown piece of paper with several articles and a photograph attached to it. The photograph is in black and white, and it shows a painting by Pablo Picasso. The painting depicts the bombing of Guernica, a town in Spain, by the German Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. The painting is titled "Guernica" and is considered one of Picasso's most famous works. The articles on the paper are about the painting and its significance, and they provide information about the bombing of Guernica and the impact of the painting on the world. The articles also discuss the controversy surrounding the painting, including debates about its meaning and interpretation. Overall, the image highlights the power of art to convey important messages and to inspire change.

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The image is of a newspaper clipping with an article titled "Fantastmagoria or Plain 'Nuts' Harvard Division Over Picasso." The article discusses the controversy surrounding the display of Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" at Harvard University. The painting, which depicts the horrors of war, was hung in the Fogg Art Museum and caused a division among the students and faculty. Some students found the painting to be a powerful and graphic interpretation of the atrocities of war, while others found it to be confusing and disturbing. The article also mentions that the painting had been on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

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The image shows a collection of newspaper clippings from 1941, focusing on an exhibition of Pablo Picasso's painting titled "Guernica" at Harvard University. The clippings are from various newspapers, including the Boston Herald, The Boston Record, and The Cambridge Chronicle. Here is a detailed description of the content and visual elements:

Visual Layout:

  1. Top Left Section:

    • Headline: "Harvard Exhibits Picasso Painting"
    • Subheading: "Picasso's surrealistic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica, Spain, will be displayed at the Fogg Art Museum in the Yard this week."
    • Details: The article mentions that the painting, depicting the Franco bombing of Guernica, is one of the most spectacular pieces ever to be exhibited. It was unveiled at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is now on display at Harvard. The article quotes Professor Christian Science, who describes the painting as intended to arouse indignation and protest against war and injustice.
  2. Top Right Section:

    • Headline: "Press Clipping Service" with the address "2 Park Square, Boston, Mass."

    • Date: October 2, 1941.

    • Image Caption: "PUZZLED HARVARD STUDENTS viewing yesterday what has been termed, 'one of the most significant paintings of the 20th century.' The picture created by Pablo Picasso, in an interpretation of the horrors of modern warfare. The controversial painting has been hung in the Fogg Museum of Harvard University for two weeks, and is open to public inspection."

    • Photograph: A black-and-white image shows a group of people (likely students) viewing the painting. The painting itself is not visible in the photograph, but the caption indicates it is the subject of their attention. The people appear to be engaged in discussion, with some standing and others seated.

  3. Bottom Section:

    • Headline: "FANTASMAGORIA OR PLAIN 'NUTS' HARVARD DIVISION OVER PICASSO"
    • Details: This article discusses the mixed reactions to Picasso's "Guernica" at Harvard. Some students and faculty members find the painting "fantasmagoric" and difficult to interpret, while others view it as a powerful commentary on the horrors of war. The article quotes Professor Benjamin Rowland, Jr., an associate professor of fine arts at Harvard, who describes the painting as evoking associations from the kaleidoscopic fantasy of the imagination of war and politics. The painting is described as having undergone many alterations since its creation, with Picasso adding and removing elements over time.
    • Additional Context: The article mentions that the painting was originally intended to symbolize the horrors of modern warfare, particularly the bombing of Guernica in Spain. It also notes that the painting has been controversial, with some finding it perplexing or "nuts."

Annotations:

  • Handwritten notes are visible on the clippings:
    • On the top left clipping, there is a note that reads: "Done for the Loyalist Government of Spain and not to please the rich and privileged." This is attributed to "Christian Science" and dated "Oct. 2, 1941."
    • The bottom section has a handwritten note: "Sensational Picture At Fogg Picasso's 25 foot painting of the bombing in Guernica, Spain, one of the most spectacular pictures ever to be exhibited, will be placed on public display at the Fogg Art Museum of Harvard University for two weeks. It was announced today."

Overall Context:

The clippings collectively highlight the controversy and significance of Picasso's "Guernica" during its exhibition at Harvard in 1941. The painting, a powerful anti-war statement, sparked diverse reactions among students, faculty, and the public. The articles provide insight into the cultural and intellectual climate of the time, emphasizing the painting's role as a provocative piece of modern art and its impact on viewers. The handwritten notes suggest additional commentary or interpretation, adding a personal or editorial perspective to the clippings.

This collection of articles and photographs offers a historical snapshot of the reception of "Guernica" and the broader discussions surrounding modern art and its role in society during World War II.

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The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping featuring an article about a Picasso painting exhibition at Harvard University. The clipping is torn and aged, with a light-brown color and visible tears along the edges.

  • Title and Date
    • The title "Harvard Exhibits Picasso Painting" is prominently displayed in bold black font at the top left corner of the clipping.
    • The date "Oct 2 1941" is printed in smaller black font at the top right corner, indicating the publication date of the article.
  • Article Content
    • The article discusses the controversial nature of Picasso's work, with some students expressing discomfort or offense towards his art.
    • The author notes that the exhibition has been open to public inspection for two weeks and has sparked significant interest among the student body.
  • Image
    • A black-and-white photograph of the painting is displayed below the article, showing a group of people gathered around it.
    • The painting appears to be a surrealist portrait of a woman, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
  • Additional Text
    • A column of text on the left side of the clipping provides additional information about the exhibition, including the location and duration of the show.
    • A small box at the bottom of the clipping contains the words "Sensational Picture At Fogg Museum," which suggests that the exhibition was highly anticipated and well-received by the public.

In summary, the image showcases a vintage newspaper clipping about a Picasso painting exhibition at Harvard University, featuring a controversial and thought-provoking piece of art that sparked significant interest and debate among students and the public.

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The image presents a collection of newspaper clippings, primarily from the 1940s, which focus on the art of Pablo Picasso. The clippings are arranged on a piece of aged paper with torn edges, giving the impression of being part of an archive or scrapbook.

Main Clipping:
The central clipping features a black-and-white photograph of a group of men standing in front of one of Picasso's paintings. The caption reads, "PUZZLED HARVARD STUDENTS viewing yesterday what has been termed, 'one of the most significant paintings of the 20th century,' a picture created by Pablo Picasso in an interpretation of the horrors of modern warfare." This clipping is dated October 2, 1941, and appears to be from the Boston Herald.

Additional Clippings:
Surrounding the main clipping are several smaller articles and captions that provide further information about Picasso's work and its reception. One clipping mentions the exhibition of Picasso's painting at the Fogg Museum at Harvard University, while another discusses the controversy surrounding the painting's depiction of war and violence.

Overall Impression:
The image suggests that Picasso's art was a subject of interest and debate in the 1940s, particularly among academics and art enthusiasts. The clippings provide a glimpse into the cultural and artistic landscape of the time, highlighting the significance of Picasso's work and its impact on the public imagination.

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The image is a scanned newspaper clipping from October 2, 1941, featuring an article about Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" being exhibited at Harvard University's Fogg Art Museum.

The clipping is mounted on a piece of aged paper with torn edges and a rough texture, giving it a vintage appearance. The article is titled "FANTASMAGORIA OR PLAIN 'NUTS' HARVARD DIVISION OVER PICASSO" and includes a black-and-white photograph of people viewing the painting.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the painting, with some Harvard students and faculty members expressing confusion and outrage over its abstract and disturbing imagery. The painting is described as a "sensational picture" that has sparked a heated debate about its meaning and significance.

The clipping also includes several other articles and advertisements from the same newspaper issue, including a review of the painting by art critic Benjamin Rowland Jr. and a notice about the Press Clipping Service.

Overall, the image provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and artistic landscape of 1940s America, highlighting the complex and often contentious reception of modern art during this period.

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The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping, likely from 1941, featuring a prominent article about Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" being exhibited at Harvard University. The clipping is yellowed and worn, with visible signs of aging.

  • Newspaper Clipping
    • The clipping appears to be from a newspaper, possibly the Harvard Crimson or another local publication.
    • It features a black-and-white photograph of people viewing Picasso's "Guernica" in an exhibition setting.
    • The headline reads "FANTASMAGORIA OR PLAIN 'NUTS' HARVARD DIVISION OVER PICASSO."
    • The article discusses the controversy surrounding the exhibition of Picasso's painting at Harvard University.
  • Press Clipping Service Label
    • A small white label at the top of the clipping bears the text "Press Clipping Service" and provides an address in Boston, Mass.
    • The label also includes a date, "OCT 2 1941," indicating when the clipping was created or received.
  • Other Articles
    • Two smaller articles are partially visible on the left side of the clipping.
    • One article appears to be titled "Harvard Exhibits Picasso Painting," while the other is titled "Sensational Picture At Fogg Museum."
    • These articles likely provide additional context or information about the exhibition of Picasso's work at Harvard.

In summary, the image showcases a vintage newspaper clipping that highlights the controversy surrounding the exhibition of Picasso's "Guernica" at Harvard University in 1941. The clipping features a photograph of the painting on display, as well as articles discussing the artwork's significance and the divided opinions it sparked among Harvard students and faculty.