The three letters from artist Luigi Lucioni to art historian Nelson C. White measure 0.02 linear feet and are dated June 5, 1922, June 27, 1923, and December 11, 1927. In these letters, which reflect the friendship between Lucioni and White, Lucioni writes about various topics the two correspondents had discussed in person, including the National Academy of Design, his studio and work, and novels and plays that interest him.
Scope and Contents:
The three letters from artist Luigi Lucioni to art historian Nelson C. White measure 0.02 linear feet and are dated June 5, 1922, June 27, 1923, and December 11, 1927. In these letters, which reflect the friendship between Lucioni and White, Lucioni writes about various topics the two correspondents had discussed in person, including the National Academy of Design, his studio and work, and novels and plays that interest him.
Arrangement:
Due to the small size of this collection the papers are arranged as one series.
Series 1:Luigi Lucioni letters to Nelson C. White, 1922-1927 (Folder 1; 3 Items)
Biographical / Historical:
Connecticut painter, art historian, and collector, Nelson C. White (1900-1989), was born in Waterford, Connecticut. Son of artist Henry C. White, Nelson was a friend of the artist Luigi Lucioni (1900-1988), a realist painter best known for his landscapes of Vermont and portraits of opera singers.
Provenance:
The Luigi Lucioni letters to Nelson C. White,1922-1927, were donated in 2017 by George Cooke White, Nelson C. White's son.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center.
In the first letter dated June 5, 1922, Lucioni writes to Nelson C. White while on summer vacation at Shelter Island. It appears to be the among the first letters between the two, following up on an introduction at a social event. Lucioni is eager to discuss literary recommendations White had given him, and in the following letters, Lucioni continues to discuss his impressions various plays and novels he has seen and read since their last correspondence, and how they have affected his studio practice. In his letter from 1927 Lucioni expresses regret at how infrequently they exchange letters.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center.
Collection Citation:
Luigi Lucioni letters to Nelson C. White, 1922-1927. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.