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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806817

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This image displays a yellowed newspaper clipping, likely from the 1970s, mounted on a larger piece of tan paper with three hole punches on the right edge. The clipping contains text and photographs from two different newspaper articles, both dated October 7, 1977, and annotated by hand.

The clipping is divided into two main sections:

Top Section: Cleveland Museum Declares Painting a Fake

This section features a headline: “Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake.”

  • It details how the Cleveland Museum of Art announced that a painting it purchased in 1974 — previously attributed to the 16th-century German artist Matthias Grünewald — is, in fact, a 20th-century forgery.
  • The article explains that pigment tests conducted by the museum’s conservator, Ross Merrill, with assistance from other scientific laboratories, conclusively proved the painting to be a forgery.
  • The article includes a small black-and-white photograph of the forged painting, which depicts St. Catherine of Alexandria.
  • It notes that the museum will refund the purchase price (reportedly between $1 million and $2 million) to the New York art dealer, Frederick Mont.
  • Museum Director Sherman E. Lee is quoted as being “honorable and courageous” in handling the situation, though he did not name the dealer. The article mentions Dr. Lee’s regret, calling the purchase a “serious mistake” and citing the risk involved in authenticating “first” work by great masters.
  • The forgery is said to have been painted by a German artist named Albrecht Dürer, and was previously thought to be part of a larger altarpiece in Colmar, France.

Bottom Section: Daniel Chester French Exhibition

This section contains two photographs of sculptures:

  1. Top photo (left): A plaster model of Abraham Lincoln (1916) by Daniel Chester French.

    • The accompanying caption notes the sculpture was on view at the Fogg Museum (Harvard) as part of the exhibition “Daniel Chester French: An American Sculptor” through November 30.
    • The exhibit featured 53 works focusing on French’s “rough sculptural models” used for large-scale works.
    • The photo credit is given to Bernie Chaff.
  2. Bottom photo (left): A detail from the Milmore Memorial (1889-93), also by Daniel Chester French.

    • The caption describes the material as bronze and granite and notes it was also represented in the Fogg exhibition.
    • The photo credit is again given to Bernie Chaff.

Handwritten Annotations:

  • In red ink, on the left margin next to both image captions, is written: “Gazelle Oct 7 ’77” — possibly indicating the source or collector of the clipping.
  • In blue ink, on the bottom right of the article about the forgery, it says: “NY Times 10/28/77” — likely indicating the source and date of that specific article, which is inconsistent with the October 7 date printed in the article itself.

Overall, the image is a curated clipping from 1977 documenting two separate but concurrent art news stories: the Cleveland Museum’s admission of acquiring a forged Grünewald painting, and the major retrospective exhibition of Daniel Chester French’s sculptures at Harvard’s Fogg Museum.

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The image appears to be a page from a newspaper or a collection of historical documents. It contains several articles and photographs related to art and sculpture. Here's a detailed description:

  1. Main Article Title: The largest headline reads "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake." This indicates that the Cleveland Museum of Art discovered that a painting attributed to Matthias Grünewald, a German artist from the 16th century, was actually a forgery.

  2. Photograph of the Statue: The top photograph shows a detailed plaster model for a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by Daniel Chester French, displayed at the Fogg Museum. The text below the photograph provides information about the exhibition and French's career, noting that he was one of the nation's most prolific public sculptors.

  3. Second Photograph and Description: Below the Abraham Lincoln statue, there's a photograph of a bronze and granite memorial, the Milmore Memorial, also by Daniel Chester French. This memorial is dated 1889-93 and is represented in the Fogg exhibition by architectural renderings and photographs.

  4. Article Content: The main article discusses the discovery of the forgery by the Cleveland Museum of Art. It includes details about the painting, its purchase price, the doubts raised by the museum's staff and outside scholars, and the results of pigment tests conducted by the conservator Ross Merrill. The article also mentions the authenticity of the Grünewald paintings and the importance of checking the collections of museums.

  5. Additional Information: The text includes footnotes and additional context about the Grünewald paintings and the artist's works. It also mentions the involvement of other scientific laboratories in the authentication process.

  6. Handwritten Notes: There are handwritten notes in the margins, including "Gazette Oct 7 '77" and "NY Times 10128177," which seem to indicate the source of the article and possibly the date it was recorded.

The overall presentation suggests that this is a scrapbook or a collection of historical documents, possibly related to art history and the authentication of artworks.

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This image appears to be a scanned newspaper clipping. The article is titled "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake." The article discusses a painting that was believed to be a rare and important work by the 16th-century German artist Matthias Grünewald, which the Cleveland Museum of Art purchased in 1974. However, the museum has since determined that the painting is a 20th-century forgery based on pigment tests and scientific analysis.

The article mentions that the painting was purchased for an undisclosed price from a New York source, and the museum's director, Sherman E. Lee, initially praised the work. However, doubts about its authenticity had been growing over time. The museum's conservator, Ross Merrill, with the assistance of other scientific laboratories, concluded that the painting was a forgery. The article also notes that the painting will remain in the museum's custody for study purposes.

The clipping includes two photographs:

  1. A plaster model for the Abraham Lincoln statue (1916) by Daniel Chester French, which is part of an exhibition at the Fogg Museum.
  2. A detail of the Milmore Memorial (bronze and granite, 1889-93) by Daniel Chester French, which is also part of the Fogg exhibition.

Additionally, there is a smaller image of the painting of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was assumed to be the work of Matthias Grünewald when it was purchased but is now disclosed as a forgery. The painting is described as being badly in need of restoration at the time of its purchase and was believed to have been part of a "lost" multipart altarpiece executed by Grünewald for the cathedral at Mainz, Germany.

The clipping is dated October 7, 1977, and has a handwritten note at the bottom that says "NY Times 10/28/77." There are also some handwritten notes on the left side of the clipping.

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The image is a collage of various clippings from newspapers and magazines, pasted onto a beige background. The collage is organized into four distinct sections, each containing different images and text.

The top left section features a black-and-white photograph of a statue of Abraham Lincoln. The statue depicts Lincoln seated, wearing formal attire, and holding a book. The statue is identified as being from the Fogg Museum, modeled by Daniel Chester French.

Below the Lincoln statue, on the left side, is another black-and-white image of a bas-relief sculpture. This sculpture depicts a scene with two figures, one of whom is an angel holding a trumpet, and the other is a man in classical attire. The sculpture is titled "Milmore Memorial" and is described as being made of bronze and granite, created by Daniel Chester French in 1889-93.

The top right section contains a black-and-white photograph of a painting. The painting shows a woman in a long dress, standing with a serene expression. Accompanying this image is a text excerpt discussing the Cleveland Museum of Art's assertion that a painting attributed to Matthias Grünewald is a fake. The text provides details about the painting's history, its purchase by the museum, and the subsequent revelation of its inauthenticity.

Below the painting, on the right side, is another black-and-white photograph of a painting. This painting depicts a woman in elaborate attire, standing in a classical pose. The text accompanying this image discusses the painting's attribution and the museum's efforts to authenticate it, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding art authentication.

The bottom section of the collage includes additional text excerpts and images, though they are less prominent and harder to discern in detail. The text discusses various aspects of art authentication, the history of the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the significance of the artworks in question.

Overall, the collage presents a thematic exploration of art, authenticity, and the role of museums in preserving and validating artistic heritage.

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The image appears to be a newspaper clipping with two articles. The first article is about a plaster model of Abraham Lincoln created by Daniel Chester French, which was exhibited at the Fogg Museum in November 1916. The model was 30 inches tall and was one of the most prolific public sculptures by French. The second article is about the Cleveland Museum of Art claiming that a painting attributed to Matthias Grünewald, titled "St. Catherine of Alexandria," is a forgery. The painting was purchased by the museum in 1971 for $1 million and was displayed as a genuine work. However, after examination by art experts, it was concluded that the painting was a fake.

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The image is a collage of historical newspaper clippings and photographs, centered around the work of the sculptor Daniel Chester French and the controversy surrounding a painting attributed to Matthias Grünewald. Here is a detailed description:

Top Left Section:

  • Photograph: A black-and-white photograph of the Abraham Lincoln statue by Daniel Chester French, located at the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The statue is seated on a stone pedestal, dressed in formal attire, and is part of an exhibition titled "Daniel Chester French: An American Sculptor."
  • Caption: Below the photograph, a caption explains that the exhibition, running from November 30 to December 30, 1916, features over 100 works by French, including sketches, models, and photographs. The exhibition is described as the first major public display of French's work in the United States, focusing on his career, public sculptures, and experimental techniques.

Top Right Section:

  • Headline: A bold headline from the New York Times dated October 28, 1977, reads: "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grünewald Is a Fake."
  • Article Excerpt: The article discusses the Cleveland Museum of Art's announcement that a painting previously believed to be a rare and important work by the German artist Matthias Grünewald is actually a fake. The painting, titled "St. Catherine of Alexandria," was acquired by the museum in 1974 for $1.2 million. The museum's director, Lee Ross Merrill, stated that the painting was deemed inauthentic after scientific analysis and expert consultation. The article mentions that the painting was part of a collection sold by a New York dealer and that doubts about its authenticity had been raised for some time. The museum plans to display the painting as a forgery for educational purposes.

Bottom Left Section:

  • Photograph: A black-and-white photograph of a detailed sculpture titled "Milmore Memorial" by Daniel Chester French, created in 1889–93. The sculpture is described as being represented in the Fogg exhibition through architectural renderings and photographs. The sculpture appears to depict a dramatic scene with multiple figures, including an angelic figure and a central male figure.
  • Caption: The caption identifies the sculpture and its creator, noting its inclusion in the exhibition.

Bottom Right Section:

  • Additional Text: This section contains more details from the New York Times article, elaborating on the Grünewald controversy. It mentions that the painting was part of a larger collection sold by a New York dealer, and that the museum had been aware of doubts about its authenticity for some time. The article also references the painting's history, noting that it was once thought to be a masterpiece by Grünewald but is now considered a forgery. The museum plans to keep the painting on display as a teaching tool.

Overall Layout and Context:

  • The collage combines historical and contemporary elements, juxtaposing French's legitimate sculptural work with the controversy surrounding a fraudulent painting. The inclusion of the New York Times article from 1977 highlights the enduring nature of art forgery and the challenges museums face in verifying the authenticity of artworks.
  • The date stamps ("Gazelle Oct 7 '77") and the handwritten notes suggest that this collage was compiled for archival or research purposes, possibly as part of an exhibition or study on art forgery and museum practices.

Key Themes:

  1. Art and Authenticity: The image underscores the tension between artistic legacy and the risk of forgery in the art world.
  2. Museum Practices: It highlights how museums respond to controversies, including displaying forgeries for educational value.
  3. Historical Context: The inclusion of French's work alongside the Grünewald forgery provides a broader perspective on the art world in the early 20th century and later.

This collage serves as a visual narrative of both artistic achievement and the challenges of art authentication.

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This image depicts a newspaper clipping featuring three articles and two images. The top-left article is accompanied by a photograph of a statue of Abraham Lincoln, while the bottom-left article features an image of a bronze and granite memorial. The right-hand article discusses the Cleveland Museum's assertion that its Grunewald painting is a forgery.

The clipping appears to be from the New York Times, dated October 28, 1977, as indicated by handwritten notes in the bottom-right corner. The articles are arranged on a piece of paper with holes punched in it, suggesting that it was once part of a binder or folder. The overall appearance of the clipping suggests that it is an archival document, possibly from a museum or library collection.

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The image presents a scanned newspaper clipping featuring an article about the Cleveland Museum of Art, accompanied by two photographs. The article is titled "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake" and discusses the museum's acquisition of a painting attributed to the 16th-century German artist Matthias Grunewald.

  • Title and Article
    • The title "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake" is prominently displayed at the top of the clipping.
    • The article provides details about the museum's purchase of the painting, including its history and the controversy surrounding its authenticity.
  • Photographs
    • Two photographs are included in the clipping, one of a statue and another of a painting.
    • The statue photograph shows a man sitting in a chair, while the painting photograph depicts a woman and a man.
  • Additional Text
    • The clipping also includes additional text, including a caption for the statue photograph and a note about the painting's authenticity.
    • The caption reads, "Plaster model for Abraham Lincoln (1860) by Daniel Chester French - at the Fogg Museum through November 30 in 'Daniel Chester French: An American Sculptor,' the first major exhibition of works by one of the nation's most prolific public sculptors. During his six-decade career, French created more than 100 monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibition (previously on view in Detroit, New York, and Washington, D.C.) includes 53 works and focuses on his rough, unfinished work on France's life works to view weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m."
    • The note about the painting's authenticity reads, "St. Catherine of Alexandria, assumed to be the work of Matthias Grunewald when it was purchased in 1974 by the Cleveland Museum of Art, is now disclosed as a forgery."

In summary, the image presents a scanned newspaper clipping featuring an article about the Cleveland Museum of Art's acquisition of a painting attributed to Matthias Grunewald, along with two photographs and additional text. The article discusses the controversy surrounding the painting's authenticity and provides details about the museum's purchase of the artwork.

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The image presents a collage of newspaper clippings and photographs, mounted on a beige-colored page with two holes punched along the right edge, suggesting it was once part of a binder or scrapbook. The page is set against a gray background.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • Titled "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake"
  • Discusses the authenticity of a painting attributed to Matthias Grunewald, which the Cleveland Museum of Art has declared a forgery
  • Includes a black-and-white image of the painting in question

Photographs:

  • Two black-and-white images of sculptures by Daniel Chester French:
    • A plaster model for Abraham Lincoln (1916)
    • A detail from the Milmore Memorial (1889-93)

Annotations:

  • Handwritten notes in red ink on the left side of the page:
    • "Gazette Oct 7 '77" next to the top photograph
    • "Gazette Oct 7 '77" below the bottom photograph
  • A blue pen annotation at the bottom right of the clipping:
    • "NY Times 10 2 8177"

The overall appearance of the image suggests that it is a curated collection of articles and images related to art and forgery, compiled by someone interested in these topics.

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The image presents a newspaper clipping from the New York Times, dated October 28, 1977, titled "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake." The article discusses the Cleveland Museum of Art's discovery that a painting believed to be a rare and important work by 16th-century German master Matthias Grunewald was actually a forgery.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • The clipping is attached to a piece of brown paper with two holes punched on the right side.
  • The headline reads, "Cleveland Museum Says Its Grunewald Is a Fake."
  • The article provides details about the painting's history, including its purchase by the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1974 for an undisclosed price from a New York art dealer.
  • The museum's staff had conducted extensive tests, which revealed that the painting was not an original Grunewald work.
  • The article also mentions that the museum will continue to study the painting for its artistic value.

Images:

  • Two black-and-white images are included in the clipping:
    • A statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in a chair, with his right arm resting on the back of the chair.
    • A sculpture of two women and a child, with one woman holding a flower and the other woman holding a cloth.

Handwritten Notes:

  • Red handwriting on the left side of the clipping reads, "Gazelle Oct 7 '77."
  • Blue handwriting at the bottom right corner reads, "NY Times 10/28/77."

Background:

  • The background of the image is a plain gray color.

Overall, the image provides a snapshot of a significant event in the art world, highlighting the importance of authenticity and provenance in the valuation and appreciation of artworks.