Alfred Jonniaux papers, 1893-1969

Collection Information

Size: 5.3 Linear feet

Summary: Biographical accounts, correspondence, business records (1936-1968), art works, photographs, a photograph album, printed material, and 2 scrapbooks document the life and career of Alfred Jonniaux.

Biographical material consists of a membership card to The Bath Club (1930) and 3 biographical accounts. Correspondence includes letters between Jonniaux, his family, his clients, and his dealers, the Vose Galleries, discussing his work and exhibitions (1915-1967). Business records include 9 address books, business cards, check stubs, a customs form, insurance forms for the shipment of paintings, receipts for art supplies (1936-1967), a fee schedule for portraits, a price list (1961), and a lease for his New York studio. Art works consist of 32 drawings and 11 sketchbooks.

Photographs (1893-1964) show Jonniaux, members of his family, friends, his portraits, and the works of others. An album also contains photographs of his works. Printed material includes clippings (1938-1969) and exhibition announcements and catalogs (1943-1962). Two scrapbooks contain clippings (1921-1964), exhibition announcements and catalogs (1931-1959), and 4 letters discussing his work (1951-1955).

Biographical/Historical Note

Portrait painter. Born in Brussels, Belgium. Following study at the Academie des Beaux Arts, Brussels, and as a draftsman in Paris, Jonniaux began his career as a portraitist in London. He immigrated to the United States during World War II, becoming a citizen in 1946. During his first ten years in America, he established studios in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. His exhibitions led to many portrait commissions from leading figures in all spheres of American life.

Provenance

Donated by art dealer David J. Carlson of Carlson Gallery, San Francisco, California.

Language Note

All letters from Alfred to Constance Jonniaux and approximately ten percent of the other letters are in French.