The Archives of American art does not own the original papers. Use is limited to the microfilm copy.
Summary:
Handwritten diary, January 1-December 31, 1883, and July 1, 1891-May 14, 1892. The entries detail the daily events of Smith, who painted in his studio almost every day, usually finishing a painting in one to three days. The entries also record his domestic life, living with his wife, children, and father, painter Russell Smith, outside of Philadelphia, Pa. He writes of his numerous paintings, often referring to his materials and techniques; of trading pictures for frames; critiques an exhibition of etchings in Philadelphia in 1883; records his investments in stocks and bonds, transactions with his dealers Haseltine and Davis & Harvey; paintings on sea shells that he sold in Atlantic City; photographing of outdoor scenes that he later used as subjects for his paintings; developing photographs; making prints; family illnesses and visits from Dr. Paxton; use of Devoe paints and canvas; a trip to Southwest Harbor, Maine, in 1883, where he made numerous outdoor studies and sketches; and numerous and futile attempts to color glass lantern slides. [This reel is mislabeled Russell Smith].
Citation:
Xanthus Smith diaries, 1883-1892. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Forms:
35mm microfilm reel P23 (fr. 234-331) available for use at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Loan:
Loan
Biography Note:
Marine and landscape painter, photographer; Philadelphia, Pa.
Language Note:
English .
Provenance:
Microfilmed by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for the Archives of American Art, 1955.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Topic:
Painting, Modern -- 19th century -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia Search this
Photography -- History -- 19th century Search this
