Description

57. Palumbo, Anne Cannon. “Joseph Pennell: The Formative Years of an American Printmaker.” Vol. 8, no. 2 (Autumn 1983), 1-11.

In this well-researched exploration of the early years of Pennell’s career, Palumbo discusses some of Pennell’s early contacts with prints on display at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, his art training, and the predominance of painter-etching over reproductive etching in the 1880s. The influence of Whistler and French etchers on the younger artist is also discussed as are his illustrations of the 1880s, his membership in etching clubs, exhibitions of his works, and his marriage to Elizabeth Robbins, with whom he collaborated on many books. In the 1890s he became interested in lithography, which resulted in a book on the subject as well as the creation of over 140 lithographs. Despite his residence abroad, his illustrations were published in the United States and he endeavored to make American art better known abroad through exhibitions, lectures, and publications.

58. Trechsel, Gail Andrews. “Mark Catesby (1682-1749): Revelations of the New World.” Vol. 8, no. 2 (Autumn 1983), 12-18.

The first major description of America’s natural history was Mark Catesby’s Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands published from 1731-43. Trechsel’s article provides solid biographical information on Catesby, his trips to the colonies, his training as an engraver, and his contributions to popular natural history study. His Natural History was extremely labor intensive, but he was able to publish one other book and two essays before his death.

59. Velthuys, Paula. “The Print Collection of the Maryland Historical Society.” Vol. 8, no. 2 (Autumn 1983), 20-26.

Founded in 1844, the Maryland Historical Society focuses on material relating to the state and the region. Of primary interest are views of Baltimore, beginning with a 1752 wash drawing. The Society also has many prints by two Baltimore lithographic firms–E. Sachse & Co. and A. Hoen & Co. The latter firm was in business from 1835 to 1981. Also mentioned are three individuals–Fielding Lucas, Jr., publisher of illustrated books; Alfred Jacobs Miller, landscape and portrait painter; and Adalbert Johann Volck, political cartoonist of the Civil War. In addition, collections of frakturs, currency, and sheet music are described.