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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806697

Qwen, qwen.qwen3-vl-235b-a22b

This image displays a page from a newspaper clipping scrapbook, likely from The Crimson, the Harvard University student newspaper, dated Friday, December 12, 1975. The page is mounted on a tan paper or cardboard backing and features three distinct articles and photographs, all related to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard.

Main Headline & Article: “Lions Crushing Serpents”

On the right side, a prominent art review by Kathy Garrett discusses an exhibition titled “Lions Crushing Serpents: Metamorphoses in 19th-Century Sculpture” at the Fogg Museum. The exhibition ran from January 7, 1976, and featured numerous identical-looking sculptures—18 statues of Diana, 8 busts of Benjamin Franklin, and 23 plaques of Robert Louis Stevenson—arranged to appear redundant but subtly varied. The article notes that these variations are intentional and relate to the direction Franklin is gazing. The review is signed by Seymour Slive, then Gleason Professor of Fine Arts and Director of the Fogg Art Museum. A small black-and-white photo below the headline shows silhouetted bronze sculptures of archers.

Left Column: “Harvard Honors Lafayette”

On the upper left, a large, high-contrast photograph features a bust of the Marquis de Lafayette, carved in marble by Houdon (1903). The bust is labeled “LAFAYETTE” on its base. Below the photo, a caption explains that this is part of the Fogg’s second of three Bicentennial exhibitions titled “Harvard Honors Lafayette,” curated by Agnes Mongan, then former Director of the Fogg. The exhibition, running through March 12, included portraits, documents, and Lafayette memorabilia drawn from Harvard Collections and other New England sources.

Bottom Section: “Fogg Museum’s Annual Christmas Card Sale”

Beneath the Lafayette article is a smaller announcement detailing the Fogg Museum’s annual Christmas card sale, which continued through December 22 in the Fogg Courtyard. It featured more than 20 different cards—11 new ones—priced from 25¢ and up, with subjects ranging from medieval to modern, all from the Fogg’s permanent collection. The announcement is accompanied by a grid of nine thumbnail black-and-white images of the cards for sale, depicting various artworks: an elephant, a woman in profile, floral still lifes, and other decorative prints.


Annotation & Provenance

Handwritten in red pencil, the date “Dec 12 1975” appears at the top of both the Lafayette photo and the Christmas card section. On the top right of the newspaper clipping, “Crimson Friday Dec 12 1975” is written in blue pen. These annotations confirm the clipping’s origin and date.

This scrapbook page is a well-organized historical document capturing the cultural life of Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum in December 1975, highlighting major exhibitions, curatorial notes, and community events.

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-7B-Instruct

This image appears to be a scanned page from a newspaper or magazine, dated Friday, December 12, 1975. The page contains a variety of content, including:

  1. A large photograph of a bust labeled "LAFAYETTE." The bust is dressed in formal attire and is part of an exhibition titled "Harvard Honors Lafayette," which is described as a bicentennial exhibition at the Fogg Museum. The caption mentions that the show features portraits, documents, and Lafayette memorabilia and includes a photograph of the bust in porcelain after the marble by Houdon from 1903.

  2. A small image of various cards, likely part of the Fogg Museum's annual Christmas card sale. The sale continues through December 22 in the Fogg Courtyard, with prices ranging from 25¢ to $1.

  3. A headline on the right side of the page titled "Lions Crushing Serpents: Metamorphoses in 19th-Century Sculpture at the Fogg," with a subheading indicating the exhibition runs from December 7, 1975, to January 7, 1976. The article discusses the curatorial efforts of Jeanne Wasserman and the staff of the Fogg Museum to explore the variations in the works, emphasizing that these variations are not due to whimsical changes.

  4. A small image within the article, showing several statues of women engaged in archery, possibly part of the "Lions Crushing Serpents" exhibition.

The layout and content suggest that this page is from a university or art-related publication, possibly focusing on the Fogg Art Museum and its exhibitions. The page also includes handwritten annotations, such as "Gazette Dec 12, 1975," indicating it might be part of a scrapbook or a collection of articles.

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-72B-Instruct

This image is a scanned page from a publication, likely a newspaper or magazine, dated December 12, 1975. The page is divided into two main sections:

Left Side:

  • A large photograph of a bust of Lafayette, a historical figure, is prominently displayed. The bust is made of Sèvres porcelain and is after the marble by Houdon from 1903. The caption below the image provides information about the exhibition "Harvard Honors Lafayette" at the Fogg Museum, which continues through March 12. It mentions that the exhibition features portraits, documents, and Lafayette memorabilia drawn primarily from Harvard Collections and other New England sources.
  • Below the photograph is a section with several smaller images of Christmas cards. The text explains that the Fogg Museum's annual Christmas card sale continues through December 22 in the Fogg Courtyard. More than 20 different cards, including 11 new ones, are available daily at prices of 25¢ each and up. The subjects of the cards range from medieval to modern, all from the Fogg permanent collection.

Right Side:

  • The title "Lions Crushing Serpents" is at the top, with a subtitle "Metamorphoses in 19th-Century Sculpture at the Fogg now through Jan. 7, 1976." The article discusses an exhibition featuring various sculptures of lions crushing serpents, highlighting the subtle differences between each sculpture. The text is signed by Kathy Garrett and dated Friday, December 12, 1975.
  • Below the article is a photograph of several small sculptures on display, showing the lions crushing serpents mentioned in the article.
  • At the bottom right, there is a note about the availability of the exhibition materials at less than half their published price until the exhibition closes. It is signed by Seymour Slive, Gleason Professor of Fine Arts and Director of the Fogg Art Museum.

The page appears to be a clipping from the "Crimson," as indicated by the handwritten note at the top right corner. The page is slightly yellowed and has some creases, suggesting it is an older document.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image is a collage of several newspaper clippings, possibly from a scrapbook, featuring articles and images related to art exhibitions. The clippings are arranged on a beige background with a hole-punched corner, suggesting it was once part of a binder or scrapbook.

  1. Top Left Clipping:

    • This clipping shows a bust of a man with a caption that reads "LA FAYETTE." The bust is displayed on a pedestal, and the man appears to be wearing a military uniform with a sash and a medal. The text below the image mentions "Harvard Honors Lafayette," indicating an exhibition or recognition event.
  2. Top Right Clipping:

    • This clipping is titled "Lions Crushing Serpents" and features a photograph of several sculptures of lions attacking serpents. The text describes an exhibition of 19th-century sculpture at the Fogg Museum, highlighting the theme of lions and serpents.
  3. Middle Left Clipping:

    • This clipping is titled "Gazette" and includes a smaller photograph of a person or group. The text is not fully visible, but it seems to be an announcement or article related to an event or exhibition.
  4. Middle Right Clipping:

    • This clipping includes a photograph of sculptures with a caption that reads "Art." The text below discusses the variations in sculptures and the artist's intent, mentioning that the variations are not due to the artist's whims but to the inherent differences in each sculpture.
  5. Bottom Left Clipping:

    • This clipping features several small images, possibly illustrations or photographs, with captions that are not fully legible. The text mentions "The Fogg Museum's annual Christmas card sale," indicating a holiday-themed event at the museum.
  6. Bottom Right Clipping:

    • This clipping includes a photograph of a person and text that reads "Seymour Slive, Gleason Professor of Fine Arts, Director, Fogg Art Museum." The text discusses the director's views on the sculptures and the exhibition, highlighting the importance of observing the sculptures without preconceived notions.

Analysis:
The collage presents a collection of articles and images from various art-related events and exhibitions, primarily focused on sculpture. The articles discuss different themes, such as military honors, mythological themes (lions and serpents), and the annual Christmas card sale at the Fogg Museum. The presence of Seymour Slive, the director of the Fogg Art Museum, suggests that these events are significant and are under the guidance of a prominent figure in the art world. The clippings provide a snapshot of the museum's activities and the public's interest in art exhibitions during the time these articles were published.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image is a newspaper clipping with two sections. The top section features an article titled "Lions Crushing Serpents" with a black-and-white photograph of a statue of Lafayette. The article discusses the Fogg Museum's exhibition of 19th-century sculptures, focusing on the variations in the depiction of lions crushing serpents. The bottom section contains a collage of images, including a drawing of a man with a hat and a woman with a flower arrangement, as well as a photograph of a group of people.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image depicts a vintage exhibition poster or program from the Fogg Art Museum, dated December 12, 1975. The poster is divided into several sections, each showcasing different aspects of the museum's offerings and events.

Left Section:

  • Central Image: A black-and-white photograph of a bust labeled "LAFAYETTE." The bust is described as part of the Fogg's second Bicentennial exhibition, assembled by Agnes Mongan, former Director and Curator of Drawings at the Fogg. The text notes that the exhibition continues through March 12 and includes drawings, portraits, and other New England sources. The bust is made of marble by Houdon (1901).
  • Additional Text: The caption below the image provides context about the exhibition, emphasizing its historical significance and the role of the Fogg Museum in preserving and displaying these artifacts.

Top Right Section:

  • Title: "ART Lions Crushing Serpents"
  • Subtitle: "Metamorphoses in 19th-Century Sculpture at the Fogg now through Jan. 7, 1976"
  • Description: The text discusses an exhibition featuring sculptures by Robert Louis Stevenson, including a notable piece titled "Lions Crushing Serpents." It highlights the unique characteristics of the sculptures, noting that while they may appear similar at first glance, each piece exhibits subtle differences in form and detail. The text also mentions that these variations are not random but reflect deliberate artistic choices.
  • Visual Element: Below the description, there is a small illustration or sketch of multiple sculptural figures, likely representing the "Lions Crushing Serpents" theme.

Bottom Right Section:

  • Exhibition Details: The section includes a brief description of the exhibition, noting that it is curated by Kathy Garrett and is available at less than half the published price until the exhibition closes. It also mentions Seymour Slive, Gleason Professor of Fine Arts and Director of the Fogg Art Museum.
  • Date: The exhibition is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 1975.

Bottom Left Section:

  • Christmas Card Sale: This section advertises the Fogg Museum's annual Christmas-card sale, which continues through December 22. It highlights that more than 20 different cards are available, including 11 new ones, priced at 25¢ each and up. The cards feature subjects ranging from medieval to modern, drawn from the Fogg's permanent collection.
  • Visual Elements: Small thumbnail images of various card designs are displayed, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and themes.

Overall Design:

  • The poster has a structured layout with clear headings and organized sections, typical of museum exhibition programs from the mid-20th century.
  • The use of black-and-white imagery and text gives it a classic, archival feel, consistent with the era.

This poster serves as a promotional piece for multiple events and exhibitions at the Fogg Art Museum, combining historical art displays, contemporary exhibitions, and seasonal holiday offerings.

OpenAI, gpt-4

This image appears to show a scrapbook page or a collection of newspaper and magazine clippings. The page is mounted on a brown surface with holes punched on the left-hand side, suggesting it may be part of a binder or album. The clippings feature various texts and images related to art exhibitions, historical figures, and what looks like a selection of holiday-themed illustrations or artwork in a smaller section on the bottom left. A dominant feature of the page is a large, vintage-looking monochrome illustration of a bust in the center, which is situated next to an article about an art exhibition. The article on the top right is headlined "Lions Crushing Serpents" and mentions an exhibition featuring 18th-century statues. Further details are not legible due to the resolution of the image. There's handwriting at the top right corner of the page that seems to indicate a date, but it is partially obscured and not clearly readable. The smaller images at the bottom left look like various prints or artworks, some depicting figures, animals, and scenes that could be related to Christmas, based on one image that seems to include a depiction of Santa Claus.

OpenAI, gpt-4o-2024-11-20

This image shows a scrapbook or archival page featuring clippings of various types. On the left side, there is a black and white photograph of a bust labeled "LAFAYETTE." The bust appears to depict a historical figure in a detailed sculptural style, with fine clothing and a ruffled cravat.

To the right of the bust photo, there is a column of newsprint clipped from an article titled "Lions Crushing Serpents," discussing 19th-century sculpture and an art exhibition at the Fogg Museum (dated "Friday, Dec. 12, 1975"). Below this title, a section of text describes the exhibition's pieces.

Below the bust clipping, there's another smaller clipping with a hand-written note in red ink that reads "GAZETTE DEC 17, 1975." It features a grid of small images of artwork, showcasing diverse styles, including paintings and drawings. There is a brief description discussing Christmas-themed art for sale at the Fogg Museum during this period.

The page appears to be from an archival or scrapbook collection, organized with a hole punch on the left for binding.

OpenAI, gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07

This is a scrapbook-style page mounted on tan/brown paper with three clipped newspaper/magazine items arranged in columns.

  • Left column: A large black-and-white photo of a bust (a man in an 18th–century military-style coat with epaulettes) on a pedestal. The base of the pedestal has a label, and the face of the bust is blurred. Below the main photo is a caption and a row of smaller thumbnail images.
  • Right column: A clipping with the heading “Lions Crushing Serpents” under a small “ART” subheading. It discusses a sculpture exhibition (Metamorphoses in 19th-Century Sculpture at the Fogg Museum), with a short paragraph and a small photo of a row of figures.
  • Bottom left: A collage of tiny images or cards (likely Christmas cards) with a caption about the Fogg Museum’s annual Christmas card sale.
  • The page shows handwritten notes at the top (dates like 1975) and has three hole punches along the left edge, suggesting it was part of a binder.

Overall, it’s a vintage, 1970s era clipping sheet about art exhibits at the Fogg Museum, with a prominent bust image anchoring the page.

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

The image depicts a scrapbook or magazine page with various newspaper clippings and a photograph arranged on a brownish background. The page has two punched holes on the left side, suggesting it was kept in a binder.

  • On the left side near the top is a black-and-white photograph of a bust labeled "LAFAYETTE." The bust depicts a man in historical military attire with shoulder epaulettes and a cravat. Below the photo is a caption mentioning "Harvard Honors Lafayette" and details about the sculpture, which is part of the Fogg's Bicentennial exhibitions.

  • Below the bust photo is a collage of nine smaller images arranged in a 3x3 grid. These are various artworks, some showing people, others with abstract or scenic designs. A caption explains that it relates to the Fogg Museum's annual Christmas card sale.

  • On the right side, there is a newspaper clipping with the headline "Lions Crushing Serpents." The article appears to discuss an art exhibition showing 18 statues of Diana, eight busts of Benjamin Franklin, and 20 lions crushing 20 serpents by Robert Louis Stevenson at the Fogg Art Museum. The exhibition runs through January 7, 1976. There is a small photograph at the bottom of the clipping showing several sculptures.

  • The page includes handwritten markings such as "Gazette Dec 12, 1975," "Crimson Friday Dec 12 1975," and "CRIMSON" underlined near the article.

The scrapbook page appears to be a curated collection of art-related clippings and images centered around the Fogg Art Museum exhibitions and events in late 1975.