Collection Information
Size: 1.8 Linear feet
Summary: The Donald H. Karshan papers relating to Alexander Achipenko measure 1.8 linear feet and date from 1920 to 1973, (bulk dates 1966-1970). Karshan, a print expert and collector, served as Curator of the Archipenko Collection and Director of the Archipenko Archive from circa 1966 until circa 1973. Exhibition files include records concerning University of California, Los Angeles's Alexander Archipenko Memorial Exhibition, 1967-1969 , that traveled throughout the United States; an expanded version of the show was circulated in Europe by the Smithsonian Institution. The collection also contains general correspondence relating to the administration of the Archipenko Collection and Archipenko Archive, Leopold Survage, and writings on Archipenko's work and life by Karshan with related correspondence.
Biographical/Historical Note
Donald H. Karshan (b. 1929) is a print expert and collector who in 1964 established the Museum of Graphic Art, New York City. He was Curator of the Archipenko Collection and Director of the Archipenko Archive from circa 1966 until circa 1973. During this time, Karshan cataloged the estate collection and organized the archives. He was closely involved with the Archipenko memorial exhibition organized by UCLA in 1967 that traveled widely in the United States and an expanded version of the same show that was circulated Europe by the International Art Program of the Smithsonian Institution. Karshan wrote extensively on Archipenko and his oeuvre, including a catalogue raisonné of Archipenko's prints. His book, Alexander Archipenko: International Visionary , was published by the Smithsonian Institution to accompany the European tour of the memorial exhibition, 1969-1970.
Provenance
Gift of Frances Archipenko Gray, widow of Alexander Archipenko, 1982. Karshan's files were among the Alexander Archipenko Papers, and have been separated and arranged as a distinct collection.
Language Note
English .