Collections : [Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Primary Collecting Areas:
VMFA institutional records, Donor papers, Virginia Artists Archives, Oral histories, Artist subject files, Analog, and digital audiovisual collections
Description:

The Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library provides access to a wealth of rare and unique primary source materials for scholars, researchers, and the public.

The Archives consists of a diverse and growing collection of permanent materials, covering museum history from its beginnings in the 1930s until today. The Archives includes institutional records from over 25 museum departments, thousands of artist and subject files, as well as donated collections related to the museum and the history of art in Virginia. The Archives also recently launched the Virginia Artists Archives, a collecting initiative that aims to create a rich, diverse, and unprecedented collection of Virginia artists’ papers to increase awareness about the contributions of Virginia artists, both past and present.

POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Start Over Repository Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Date range 1937

RH-1815, 1937 1 page Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 8, Item SC07.02.3.063

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. RH-1815 Charming stone figure designed by the celebrated court jeweler to Nicholai II, Carl Faberge, and executed by his leading stone carver, Kremlev. Represented is one of the favorite sailors of Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovitch, brother of the last Tsar, Nicholai II. The name of the Imperial yacht "Zarnitsa" is inscribed in gold on the seaman's hatband. Standing solidly on his two feet of black onyx slightly spread apart, this sailor of courageous appearance is dressed in a spotless, freshly laundered suit of milky white jade. His piercing blue eyes, each set with a cabochon sapphire, sparkle with loyalty and sincerity. Flesh-toned aventurine makes up his interesting face, finely moulded [sic] with high cheek bones and sharp nose – typically Slavic characteristics. His sturdy hands are also of aventurine. This unusual portrayal, viewed from any angle, is singularly lifelike and attractive. It is contained in the original hollywood box of the court jeweler, and is stamped with his full name beneath the double-headed eagle of royal appointment. The "Zarnitsa" was anchored just outside of Kronstadt during the Krensky Revolution, and it is said that while the other sailors of the fleet joined the revolutionists, those on board the yacht ramined [sic] loyal to the Grand Duke Mikhail, in whose favor Nicholai II abdicated. Mrs. J. L. Pratt December 9, 1937 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Lillian Thomas Pratt Personal Papers (SC-07), 1901/1947
  3. Series 2: Hammer Galleries, 1933/1945
  4. Series 2.3: Item Descriptions, 1933/1945
  5. Folder 8

Rhoads, Katherine, 1935/1942 Box 33863 Box 53, Folder 9, Item RG01.01.1.2615

Correspondence between T.C. Colt, Jr. and Miss Katherine Rhoads. Subject- a bequest to the Museum. Dates- 5/35-2/42. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Rhoads, W.S., 1934/1951 Box 33863 Box 53, Folder 12, Item RG01.01.1.2618

Subject- Correspondence to and from Rhoads as Vice-president Board of Trustees. Dates- 1934-40. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Roman Bronze Works, Inc., 1935/1940 Box 33863 Box 54, Folder 6, Item RG01.01.1.2655

Correspondence between T.C. Colt and Roman Bronze Works Inc. Subject- casting busts of Gov. Pollard and Judge Payne and casting other figurative groups. Dates- 9/35-1/40. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Rowan, Edward B., 1930/1944 Box 33863 Box 54, Folder 18, Item RG01.01.1.2668

Correspondence between T.C. Colt, Jr. and Edward B. Rowan. Subject- mural competition for post offices in Petersburg, Hopewell and Richmond. Colt acted as chairman for a regional committee to carry out this competition for the Procurement Division, Public Works Branch of the Treasury Department, etc. Dates- 3/30. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Salary Schedules, 1937 Box 33863 Box 54, Folder 27, Item RG01.01.1.2683

Correspondence by T.C. Colt, Jr. Subject- letters from other U.S. Art Museums about staff salaries and Curator's Report activities from the 1st season 1/16-5/24 1936. Dates- 1936- 7/37. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

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