Bernard Berenson Correspondence
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
Copyright 2011
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
spcoll@ucsd.edu
Descriptive Summary
Languages:
English
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Title: Bernard Berenson Correspondence
Identifier/Call Number: MSS 0694
Physical Description:
0.25 Linear feet
(1 archives box)
Date (inclusive): 1950-1959
Abstract: Correspondence of art historian Bernard Berenson primarily with San Diego artist Norah Bisgood Woodward from 1950 to 1959.
Scope and Content
The correspondence of Bernard Berenson exhibits the friendship between San Diego artist Norah Bisgood Woodward and American
art historian Bernard Berenson (1865-1959). The main focus of this collection resides in the correspondence between Woodward
and Berenson from 1950 to 1959. Additional materials include a 1953 publication of
Banchetto nel Deserto by Alexia Mitchell, photographic reproductions of an unidentified artwork owned by Norah Woodward's husband Henry Woodward,
and unsigned cards from Berenson at his estate, Villa I Tatti.
The papers are arranged in two series: 1) CORRESPONDENCE and 2) MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS.
Biography
Art historian Bernard Berenson specialized in Medieval and Renaissance art, publishing several books on Italian artists and
painting. He received critical acclaim for his text,
Lorenzo Lotto: An Essay on Constructive Art Criticism and for his later work
The Italian Painters of the Renaissance. Berenson also served as an advisor to many prominent collectors such as American art collector and patron Isabella Stewart
Gardner. In 1900 Berenson settled into I Tatti, a villa in Fiesole, Italy. He lived there until his death in 1959.
Acquisition Information
Acquired 2008.
Preferred Citation
Bernard Berenson Correspondence, MSS 694. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Publication Rights
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Art and society -- California -- San Diego
Art historians -- United States
Berenson, Bernard, 1865-1959 -- Archives
Woodward, Norah Bisgood -- Correspondence
Box 1, Folder 1
Berenson, Bernard
1950-1955
Box 1, Folder 2
Berenson, Elizabeth
1958
General note
One manuscript letter from Bernard Berenson's sister, Elizabeth Berenson.
Box 1, Folder 3
Biblioteca Benjamin Franklin
1951
Box 1, Folder 4
Hess, Joan
1955-1959
General note
One inscribed postcard and one typescript letter from Bernard Berenson's secretary, Joan Hess.
Box 1, Folder 5
Mariano, Nicky
1955-1959
General note
Two inscribed postcards and one manuscript letter from Bernard Berenson's librarian Nicky Mariano.
Box 1, Folder 6
Banchetto nel Deserto, by Alexia Mitchell
1953
General Note
Book of poems in Italian and English with an inscription by Bernard Berenson to Norah Woodward on front matter.
Box 1, Folder 7
Photographic reproductions of an unknown painting, annotated verso - Black & white print and color slide
ca. 1950s
Box 1, Folder 8
Unsigned cards - Black and white, and color cards sent from Villa I Tatti, Bernard Berenson's Italian estate
1953-1959