Collection Information
Size: 3 Linear feet, (partially microfilmed on 1 reel)
Summary: Letters, photographs, writings and notes.
REEL D10: A memoir of Francis Martin Drexel, said to have been written for his children, ca. 1830. He writes of his youth, going from town to town in Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, and of Paris, to find work painting coaches, portraits, etc. He details his emigration to the U.S. leaving Amsterdam on the JOHN OF BALTIMORE, with much about the contract between Captain Richards and passengers, reneging, dishonesty of fellow passenger Mr. Bayer, and his early years in Philadelphia.
UNMICROFILMED: Research material mainly on 18th c. French artists, including correspondence, notes, transcripts, articles, photographs, etc., ca. 1948-1963, about or arising from Benisovich's research into the lives and work of Jacques Louis David, Jean Etienne Liotard (incl. typescript of a biography), Frans Post, Nicolas Antoine Taunay (incl. typescript of biography and catalogue), Adolph Ulrich Wertmuller, Francisco de Miranda, Francis Martin Drexel, et al. His correspondence was mostly with editors, scholars, and museum and library staff. Some letters related to sales of art, others to personal matters.