Ralph T. Coe papers, 1928-2010, bulk 1950s-2010

Collection Information

Size: 12.5 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of museum director, curator, writer, art historian, and collector Ralph T. Coe measure 12.5 linear feet and date from 1928 to 2010, with the bulk of the records dating from the 1950s to 2010. The papers consist of some biographical material; writings by Coe for essays, articles, and book chapters; exhibition material, most notably from Lost and Found Traditions: Native American Art 1965-1985 (1985-1986); records from Coe's tenure at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (1959-1982); Coe's association and membership records; files related to Coe's personal collection of Native American and European art; personal business records; printed material, photographs, and audiovisual material.

Biographical/Historical Note

Ralph T. Coe (1929-2010) was a museum director, art collector, writer, and art historian who primarily focused on contemporary Native American art, but also worked on European impressionism to some extent. He was born in Cleveland Ohio, received his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College in 1953, and then his M.A. from Yale University in 1957. His first position out of Yale was as an assistant curator for the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Coe then worked for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri from 1959 to 1982. Read More

Provenance

This collection was donated by the Ralph T. Coe Estate in 2013.

Language Note

English .

Funding Note

The processing of this collection received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care and Preservation Fund, administered by the National Collections Program and the Smithsonian Collections Advisory Committee.