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Creator
Durand, John, 1822-1908
Call number
MssCol 866
Physical description
1.6 linear feet (4 boxes)
Language
Materials in English
Preferred Citation

John Durand papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

John Durand (1822-1908) was an art critic and painter. He and William J. Stillman edited and published the New York art magazine, The Crayon. Durand also wrote a biography of his father, Asher B. Durand, the engraver and painter. Collection consists of correspondence, writings, records of The Crayon, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1853-1893, includes letters written to Durand by various artists, critics and friends in Europe and the U.S.; letters, 1855-1861, to Durand and Stillman as editors of The Crayon; and correspondence between Durand and Charles Henry Hart. Also, Durand's writings about The Crayon and extract from his diary; subscription list and bills for collection for The Crayon; and printed volume by Theodore Winthrop, A Companion to the Heart of the Andes (1859).

Biographical/historical information

John Durand circa l823-1908 was born in New Jersey, the son of Lucy Baldwin, the first wife of Asher B. Durand the well known engraver and painter. Durand spent, a good many years living abroad in France, alternating with the States. He William J. Stillman were editors and publishers of "The Crayon", a periodical devoted to the graphic arts 1855-1860 and Durand was author of the biography "The Life and Times of Asher B. Durand" (1894).

Scope and arrangement

The majority of letters are incoming to Durand. The main topic concerns "The Crayon", e. g. subscription from customers, and solicitations from individuals for insertions in the magazine. There are bulk letters to/from 1878-1907 Charles Henry Hart, a close friend and artist. Many of Durand's early letters to Charles Henry Hart are from Europe, especially Paris covering topics such as his visit to Versailles, to see Franklin's portrait. Letters dated 1897, September 11; 1899, July 20, February 5; April 30; June 7; August 31; and November. 7 concern John Durand giving over his father's papers to Charles Henry Hart.

The remainder of the Durand papers are bills for collection re "The Crayon"; Writings: extract from John Durand's diary and Writings re "The Crayon". Crayon subscription list and a printed vol. "A Companion to the Heart of the Andes" by Theodore Winthrop 1859.

Arrangement

Correspondence arranged alphabetically.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

1915, Received from Charles Henry Hart (gift)

Processing information

Processed by Valerie Wingfield, 7/5/1985

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328