Robert Aitken papers, circa 1900-1960

Collection Information

Size: 0.5 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of California-born sculptor Robert Aitken measure 0.5 linear feet and date from circa 1900-1960. The collection primarily consists of photographs of Aitken in his studio and photographs of his sculpture including fountain figures, mausouleum doors, medallions, refliefs, and portrait busts. Also found is a photograph of Theodore Roosevelt at the dedication of the Navy Monument in Union Square, San Francisco, in 1902. The collection also includes one 1904 letter from Benjamin Wheeler to Robert Aitken thanking Aitken for a bust of George Washington, and scattered clippings and postcards reproducing works of art by Aitken.

Biographical/Historical Note

Noted sculptor Robert Aitken (1878-1949) was born in San Francisco, California, and taught at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art from 1901-1904. He studied in Paris in 1897 and from 1904-1907, and then settled in New York City where he spent most of his career teaching at the National Academy of Design. Read More

Provenance

The collection was donated to the Archives of American Art by the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in November 1973.

Language Note

Collection is in English.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art