Thomas Seir Cummings papers, circa 1824-1983, bulk circa 1824-1894

Collection Information

Size: 0.4 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of acclaimed miniaturist and co-founder of the National Academy of Design Thomas Seir Cummings (1804-1894), measure 0.4 linear feet and date from circa 1824-1983, with the bulk of the material dating from circa 1824-1894. Papers include correspondence, writings and notes, personal and academy business and financial records, and printed material, which provide scattered but significant documentation of Cummings's various roles at the National Academy of Design and as an author and educator.

Biographical/Historical Note

New York painter Thomas Seir Cummings (1804-1894) was one of the most acclaimed miniaturists of the nineteenth century. He helped found the National Academy of Design in 1826, served as treasurer for almost forty years, and published a history of the organization in 1865.

Provenance

The papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in 2018 by the National Academy of Design via Maura Reilly, Executive Director.

Language Note

English .

Digitization Note

This site provides access to the papers of Thomas Seir Cummings in the Archives of American Art that were digitized in 2019, and total 435 images.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art and The Walton Family Foundation