Guide to the Fritz Busse original ink and watercolor illustrations, 1955-1959
Finding aid prepared by Christopher Rockwell
California State University, Sacramento Special Collections & University Archives
University Library
2000 State University Drive
Sacramento, CA, 95819-6039
916-278-6144
scua@csus.edu
February 2015
Title: Fritz Busse original ink and watercolor illustrations
Identifier/Call Number: MSS 2013/25
Contributing Institution:
California State University, Sacramento Special Collections & University Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
8.0 Linear feet
(8 flat boxes)
Date: 1955-1959
Abstract: The collection contains original ink and watercolor paintings and sketches by German artist Fritz Busse specifically made
for a series of books published by Arts, Inc.
Language of Materials note: Collection materials are in English and German.
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection is open for research. Some restrictions may apply.
Conditions Governing Use note
Both the physical materials and copyright are owned by the University Library.
Preferred Citation note
[Identification of item], Fritz Busse original ink and watercolor illustrations, Department of Special Collections and University
Archives, University Library, California State University, Sacramento.
Other Finding Aids note
Reproductions of this artwork can be found in the books “New York: City on Many Waters”, “San Francisco: City at the Golden
Gate”, “Washington: City on the Potomac”; "New Orleans: The Crescent City", and "Boston: Cradle of Liberty".
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The Fritz Busse original Ink and watercolor illustrations were given to the Department of Special Collections and University
Archives by Bradley and Zita Hosmer in December 2013. Additions were added December 2014.
Processing Information note
Processed by Department of Special Collections & University Archives staff. Completed February 2015.
Biographical/Historical note
Fritz Busse was born in Luxembourg on April 2, 1903. In 1908, he and his parents moved to Hamberg where he grew up and studied
at the Land Academy of Arts. From 1925-1926 he lived in Munich where he studied under Hans Hofmann. Busse later traveled throughout
Europe to continue studying works by German romanticists and French impressionists. In 1930, Busse moved to Stuttgart and
entered the world of graphic and book art, working for many German publishers.
By the 1950s, published sketchbooks such as
Stuttgarter Skizzen (Stuttgart Sketches) and
Geist und Glanz Oberschwäbischer Bibliotheken (The Spirit and Glory of Upper Suabian Libraries) earned Busse international recognition. Dr. Basil J. Vlavianos, the Greek
American publisher of the National Herald and owner of Arts, Inc., hired Busse to make a series of sketchbooks of various
American Cities. His book “San Francisco, City at the Golden Gate” was chosen as one of the “Fifty Best Books of the Year”
by the New York Graphic Society.
Busse later created the design for the 4 cent Lincoln Commemorative Stamp, as well as covers and illustrations for various
publishers and organizations such as Readers Digest, R.H. Stearns Company, and UNICEF.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Arts, Inc..
Busse, Fritz
Vlavianos, Basil J.
Boston (Mass.)
New Orleans (La.)
New York (N.Y.)
Painting -- 20th century
San Francisco (Calif.)
Washington, D.C.
Box 1-2
Series 1: New York: City on Many Waters
Box 3-4
Series 2: San Francisco: City at the Golden Gate
Box 5-6
Series 3: Washington: City on the Potomac
Box 7
Series 4: New Orleans: The Crescent City
Box 8
Series 5: Boston: Cradle of Liberty
Oversize_Folder 1
Series 6: Lincoln Postage Stamp
