John La Farge drawings, 1860-1899

Collection context

Creator:
La Farge, John, 1835-1910 and Cobb, Henry Ives, 1859-1931
Extent:
61 drawings
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

61 original drawings in various media on paper.

Biographical / historical:

John La Farge, 1835-1910, born in New York City of French parents, was a painter, mualist, stained glass artist and writer. After traveling around Europe between 1856 and 1858 studying art, mostly independently, he returned to New York and studied law for a short while. He soon returned to his art work. His early work consisted primarily of landscape and flower studies, showing a particular interest in light and color. One of his teachers in this area was William Morris Hunt, who greatly influenced La Farge. In the 1870s, La Farge began mural painting and executed many murals for churches, one of his finest examples being the Church of the Ascension in New York City. He also painted secular murals. During this period, La Farge also developed an interest in stained glass and in 1899 was awarded a Legion of Honor at the Paris Exposition for his work in the field. He was honored for his development of "opalescent glass" and credited with reviving the art.

La Farge also wrote and lectured. In addition to two books on his travels to Japan and the South Seas, he wrote PAINTINGS IN AMERICAN COLLECTIONS, CONSIDERATION ON PAINTINGS, THE HIGHER LIFE IN ART, and GREAT MASTERS. The red seal, or chop, on many of his paintings was devised during a visit he made to Japan in 1886 with his friend, Henry Adams. It is a monogram that he used to authenticate previous and subsequent works.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish must be obtained in writing from the Director, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, 1172 Amsterdam Ave., MC 0301, New York, NY 10027.

Preferred citation:

John La Farge drawings, circa 1860-1899. Located in Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.

Location of this collection:
300 Avery Hall
1172 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
Contact:
avery-drawings@columbia.edu