M. Knoedler & Co. records, approximately 1848-1971

Photographic files from the Paris office, approximately 1900-1971

Extent:
53.2 Linear Feet (126 boxes)
Scope and content:

Series VII.C. Paris office photographic files includes photographs made in Europe and duplicates of the ones maintained by the New York office. The presence of the duplicates suggests that the New York office sent copies of the photographs from its files (Series VII.A. Artist files). The photographs may be identified by the stock number assigned by the office in New York office in addition to the stock number given by the Paris office. The Paris office stock number is the same number used by the London office, with the exception of stock numbers preceded by the letter F. When both New York and Paris numbers are used, the Paris number is often enclosed in parentheses. Stock numbers are written on the verso of the photographs or on the original housing. Two different filing systems have been used by the Paris office. The earlier system consists of sets referred to as Cartons, in which photographs are arranged in groups roughly alphabetized by artist name. The later system, referred to as Envelopes, consists of separate large envelopes for each artwork arranged alphabetically by artist name. Some artists have photographs filed under both systems. Both filing systems occasionally diverge from the New York office. The Paris office's filing and spelling of artist names has been retained and a note is included for each artist that is filed under a different form of name in the New York files, Series VII.A.

Cartons consist of photographs either loose or housed in small envelopes, which were grouped together by the Paris office in rough alphabetical order by artist name and then stacked between two pieces of cardboard tied together with twine. Artist names and stock numbers were written on the top piece of cardboard, which is referred to in the finding aid as the "Carton cover."

The original groupings of the Cartons have been maintained in the arrangement. Artists within the Carton are arranged alphabetically after the Carton cover. Arrangement between the Cartons is dictated by the artist name in the group that comes first alphabetically. For example, Carton [I] includes artists ranging from Baker to Browne. It is arranged before Carton [II], containing Balaÿ to Barye because Baker precedes Balaÿ alphabetically. Roman numerals are used to identify the Cartons because the Paris office would use Roman numerals to differentiate multiple Cartons for one artist, for example, Corot I, Corot II, and Corot III.

Most photographs are duplicates of the New York office's copies cataloged in Series VII.A. Artist files and are only cataloged by artist name. The sealed envelopes contain duplicates, which can be consulted in Series VII.A. Photographs that do not appear to be duplicates are listed individually by stock number under the artist name.

Arrangement:

Series VII.C. Paris office photographic files are arranged into two groupings, per original order, the envelopes, which are arranged alphabetically by artist name, and the cartons. Most photographs are duplicates of the photographs in the files maintained by the New York office (Series VII.A. Artist files) and are only identified by artist name. Photographs that do not appear to be duplicates are listed individually by stock number under the artist name.

Contents

Access and use

Parent restrictions:
Open for use by qualified researchers, with the following exceptions. Boxes 77, 262-264, 1308-1512, 1969-1974, 3592-3723 are restricted due to fragility. Box 4468 is restricted until 2075.
Parent terms of access:
Contact Library Reproductions and Permissions.
Location of this collection:
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1688, US
Contact:
(310) 440-7390