INVENTORY OF THE PIERRE COURTHION PAPERS, 1901-1987, UNDATED
Finding aid prepared by Teresa Soleau and Amy Cubicciotti
Descriptive Summary
Title: Pierre Courthion papers
Date (inclusive): 1901-1987
Number: 890007
Creator/Collector:
Courthion, Pierre
Physical Description:
18.0 linear feet
(40 boxes)
Repository:
The Getty Research Institute
Special Collections
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California, 90049-1688
(310) 440-7390
Abstract: The collection documents the scholarly, personal and professional pursuits and activities of noted art critic and art historian
Pierre Courthion. The bulk of the material relates directly to Courthion's research and writing projects, consisting primarily
of unpublished notes and edited typescript drafts of essays, articles and monographs, as well as related visual materials
and correspondence.
Language: Collection material is in
French with some
German,
Italian, and
English.
Biographical/Historical Note
Pierre Courthion (1902-1988) was a prominent Swiss-born art critic and historian. Courthion's major projects focused on the
history of American, French and European art including the art of Paris and Montmartre, Romanticism and Realism, the Impressionist
movement, Swiss art, and the contemporary art of his time. Courthion attended the Université de Géneve and received a scholarship
to study painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. While in Paris, Courthion spent time in Montmartre where he became
acquainted with and developed friendships with artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Kurt Seligmann and encountered many
of the artists living and working there, many of whom would be the focus of his later publications. Courthion was a student
at the Louvre and did his doctoral work on the painter, Jean-Étienne Liotard. Over the course of his career, Courthion traveled
widely for his research, lecture tours, and conferences. He lived and worked in France for most of his life.
For a complete bibliography of Pierre Courthion's works, consult his autobiography,
D'une palette à l'autre: mémoires d'un critique d'art, which was published after his death in 2004.
Administrative Information
Access
Open for use by qualified researchers.
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Pierre Courthion Papers, 1901-1987, The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, Accession no. 890007.
Acquisition Information
Acquired in 1989.
Processing History
Onica Busuioceanu did preliminary processing and inventoried the collection in 2007-2008. Intern Amy Cubicciotti developed
an arrangement plan and wrote the biographical note and preliminary scope and contents notes in 2009. Teresa Soleau finished
processing the collection and completed the finding aid in 2011.
Related Archival Materials
Separated Materials
Hundreds of books and periodical issues were transferred to the general collection of the Getty Research Library and can be
found by searching the
library catalog for "Pierre Courthion Collection" as the source collection.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection documents the scholarly, personal and professional pursuits and activities of noted art critic and art historian
Pierre Courthion. The bulk of the material relates directly to Courthion's research and writing projects, consisting primarily
of unpublished notes and edited typescript drafts of essays, articles and monographs, as well as related visual material and
correspondence. Most of the manuscripts are undated. Numerous black-and-white photographs of artists' works, as well as some
negatives, slides, and transparencies are found throughout the collection. Printed materials and clippings include press reviews,
published articles by Courthion and other art critics and scholars, and other printed ephemera collected by Courthion. Other
materials relating to Courthion's professional activities include additional with publishers, artists and their families,
business and travel documents, and professional and teaching files.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in five series:
Series I. Artist files, 1912-1985, undated;
Series II. National and regional art and history, 1901-1987, undated;
Series III. Topical research and writing, 1921-1972, undated;
Series IV. Printed materials, 1921-1985, undated;
Series V. Professional, teaching and personal files, 1906-1980, undated.
Indexing Terms
Subjects - Names
Camargo , Iberê, 1914-1994
Chéreau, Jean-Baptiste, 1907-1988
Courbet, Gustave, 1819-1877
Delacroix, Eugène, 1798-1863
Dufy, Raoul, 1877-1953
Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique, 1780-1867
Liotard, Jean-Etienne, 1702-1789
Manet, Édouard, 1832-1883
Matisse, Henri, 1869-1954
Rouault, Georges, 1871-1958
Rousseau, Henri, 1844-1910
Schiavi, Elena
Seurat, Georges, 1859-1891
Soutine, Chaïm , 1893-1943
Subjects - Topics
Art historians
Art, French
Art, Modern--History
Artists--Correspondence
France--History
Impressionism (Art)--France
Montmartre (Paris, France)--In art.
Painting, European
Painting, French
Painting, Modern
Paris (France)--In art.
Realism in art--France
Romanticism in art
Genres and Forms of Material
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Clippings (information artifacts)
Color photographs
Correspondence
Manuscripts
Photographs, Original
Printed ephemera
Printing plates
Contributors
Matisse, Henri, 1869-1954
Rousseau, Henri, 1844-1910
Seligmann, Kurt, 1900-1962
Severini, Gino, 1883-1966
Series I.
Artist files,
1912-1985, undated
Physical Description:
8.3 linear feet
(18.5 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
This is the largest section of the archive and includes Courthion's research and writing files on individual artists, primarily
preparatory notes, drafts, photographs and printed materials. Also included are slides, transparencies, reproductions, correspondence,
ephemera, clippings, press reviews, exhibit material, and articles and offprints by Courthion and other art critics. Courthion's
correspondence with many 20th century artists is included throughout. Several drawings executed by Courthion himself are present.
A range of artists of different nationalities and historical periods from the beginning of European art through the 20th century
are represented, although artists connected with late 18th through 20th century art movements in France predominate. Courthion
studied and wrote most prodigiously on the art and artists surrounding Impressionism and on the contemporary 20th century
art of his time. Artists figuring prominently in his research and writing files include Camargo, Chéreau, Courbet, Delacroix,
Dufy, Ingres, Liotard, Manet, Matisse, Rouault, Rousseau, Schiavi, Seurat, and Soutine.
Some material of artists associated with specific movements, time periods or regions can be found in Series II. National and
regional art and history and Series III. Topical research and writing.
Arrangment
Arranged alphabetically by artist name. Various artists with little information about them are grouped at the end of the series,
followed by unidentified artists.
Box 1, Folder 1
Bolin, Gustav,
1948-1970, undated
Scope and Content Note
Includes typed biography signed Jean-Jacques Léveque, print reproductions, illustrated postcards, and photocopies of press
reviews (several by Courthion).
Box 1, Folder 2
Bonnard, Pierre,
1934-1953, undated
Scope and Content Note
Small, fragmentary illustrated book about the artist, reproductions and photographs of his paintings, manuscript notes by
Courthion, and clippings.
Box 1, Folder 3-5
Camargo, Iberê,
1963-1980, undated
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence between Camargo and Courthion, other related correspondence, notes from interview with Camargo, various
essays by Courthion and others, reproductions, exhibition catalogs and announcements.
Box 1, Folder 6
Cézanne, Paul,
1924-1927
Scope and Content Note
Edited biography partially included in a chapter on Cézanne entitled "L'exemple" in his published monograph,
Panorama de la peinture française contemporaine and printed eulogy by E. Belval delivered at Cézanne's tomb in Provence.
Box 1, Folder 7-13
Chéreau, Jean-Baptiste,
1930-1975
Scope and Content Note
Approximately 200 photographs of his works.
Box 2, Folder 1
Corot, Jean-Baptiste-Camille,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of portraits and landscapes and a biographical offprint by Alfred Robaut.
Box 2-3
Courbet, Gustave,
1925-1981, undated
Scope and Content Note
Research and writing on Courbet, some of which may be preparatory to Courthion's monograph on the artist, along with a circa
250-page typed catalog of all Courbet's works (by Courthion). Includes copies of Courbet's letters, reproductions of some
of his works, printed materials, and Courthion's correspondence regarding authentication of some Courbet works.
Box 4, Folder 1-3
Daumier, Honoré,
1969-1973, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion's notes and a draft essay, photographs of his works, correspondence with Christian Tomasini, and printed materials.
Box 4, Folder 4-5
Debré, Olivier,
1950-1962, undated
Scope and Content Note
Notes, draft writings and photographs of his works, and 4 postcards of Les Madères with Debré written on reverse.
Box 4, Folder 6
Degas, Edgar,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Notes about Degas' life and works.
Box 4, Folder 7-15
Delacroix, Eugène,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Manuscript for a book about Delacroix, heavily edited, photographs of his work, and essay and notes by Courthion.
Box 5, Folder 1-14
Dufy, Raoul,
1951-1960, undated
Scope and Content Note
Approximately two-hundred photographs of Dufy's works, correspondence, notes, draft essays, color reproductions of some works,
and printed materials.
Box 5, 39
Filhol, Patrick,
1974-1979, undated
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence and biographies of Filhol from Noël Tinayre, notes and essay, and photographs of Filhol in his studio and of
his works.
Box 5, Folder 15
Black-and-white photographs and papers
Box 6, Folder 2
Franck, Paul,
1980, undated
Scope and Content Note
Draft essay by Courthion, articles about and correspondence with Franck.
Box 6, Folder 3
Gerber, Hans,
1962, undated
Scope and Content Note
Letter to Courthion from Gerber, essay by Courthion, and photographs of his works.
Box 6, Folder 4-7
Géricault, Théodore,
1947, undated
Scope and Content Note
Notes and research for Courthion's monograph on Géricault, reviews of the monograph, notes and ephemera for a 1947 lecture
and reproductions of his works.
Box 6, Folder 8
Guadagnucci, Gigi,
1960-1963, undated
Scope and Content Note
Essay by Courthion and photographs of his works.
Box 6, Folder 9-12
Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Draft writings, various notes, and photographs of his works.
Box 6, 39
Kim Whanki,
1975-1982, undated
Scope and Content Note
Printed materials, photographs, transparencies, and slides of his works, correspondence between Courthion and Kim's wife [?],
biographical notes by Courthion, and writings by Courthion and others.
Box 6, Folder 13-17
Black-and-white photographs and papers
Box 39, Folder 2
Transparencies and slides
Box 7, Folder 1-7
Liotard, Jean-Étienne,
1939-1943, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion's research, notes and writing, writings by N.D. Trivas, correspondence related to Liotard and photographs of his
works.
Box 7, Folder 8-12
Llorens Artigas, José,
1969-1977, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory materials for Courthion's monograph including correspondence with the artist and the publisher of his book, printed
materials on the artist and ceramics in general, and photographs of the artist's works. Preliminary draft and clean copy of
the text are also included.
Box 8, 39
Manet, Édouard,
1978-1979, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion's preparatory materials for a film on Manet he intended to produce including photographs and transparencies of his
works, and notes for his illustrated album. Courthion's curriculum vitae is also included.
Box 8, Folder 1-9
Black-and-white photographs and papers
Box 8, Folder 10-15
Matisse, Henri,
1941-1974, undated
Scope and Content Note
Transcripts and notes from interviews with Matisse (circa 1941) in preparation for a monograph on the artist. Other essays
by Courthion, clippings, and reproductions of his works, documents regarding Courthion's rights to publish his conversations
with Matisse after the artist's death, autobiographical writings by Matisse and Courthion's travel notes are also included.
Box 8, Folder 16
Monet, Claude,
1927, undated
Scope and Content Note
One article, one book chapter (photocopy) and manuscript notes.
Box 9, Folder 1-3
Poussin, Nicolas,
1912-1929, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory materials (including reproductions of his works and offprints/clippings), manuscript and press reviews for Courthion's
published monograph on the artist.
Box 9, Folder 4-5
Renoir, Auguste,
1973, undated
Scope and Content Note
"Bathers and Renoir's anti-Impressionism" by art professor Barbara Ehrlich White and notes by Courthion.
Box 9, 39
Rouault, Georges,
1946-1966, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory research and manuscript for Courthion's monograph on the artist including photographs and transparencies of his
works and typed copies of press about Rouault. Correspondence related to the publication of the book and to Isabelle Rouault,
the artist's daughter, clippings of Courthion's published articles, draft essays, and Courthion's notes about the attribution
of a Rouault painting are also included.
Box 9, Folder 6-12
Black-and-white photographs and papers
Box 9-10, 39
Rousseau, Henri,
1936-1985, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory materials for Courthion's monograph on the artist including notes, correspondence between Courthion, owners of
Rousseau's paintings and others, printed materials, and photographs and slides of his works. Typed extracts of letters sent
by Rousseau to various correspondents including Guillaume Apollinaire, Brummer, and André Dupont, and a love letter to Eugénie
Léonie are also included.
Box 9, Folder 13-16
Correspondence and printed materials
Box 10, Folder 1-6
Black-and-white photographs and papers
Box 10, 39
Schiavi, Elena,
1941-1980, undated
Scope and Content Note
Along with Courthion's research and manuscripts about the artist, there are over 50 photographs of her works, correspondence
with Courthion, an autobiography and various printed materials and ephemera relating to her exhibitions.
Box 10, Folder 11
Seligmann, Kurt,
1938-1982, undated
Scope and Content Note
Two original works by the artist addressed to Courthion, clippings from auction catalogs, printed ephemera and a copy of a
printed essay by Courthion.
Box 11, 39
Seurat, Georges,
1932-1979, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory materials for Courthion's writings and monograph on the artist including transparencies of his works, clippings
from auction catalogs, personal documents, book contract and correspondence.
Box 11, Folder 6-9
Severini, Gino,
1930-1985, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory materials for Courthion's writings including correspondence between Courthion and the artist and his wife and
mother, clippings from auction catalogs and printed materials, an autobiography, hand-copied extracts from press, and ephemera.
A photograph signed by the artist is also included.
Box 11-16, 40
Soutine, Chaim,
1913-1976, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion's research on the artist including a box of printing plates (Box 16) and hundreds of reproductions of his works
(photographs, transparencies, and negatives) and other research materials. Essays by Courthion and others, photographs of
the artist's studio and friends, printed material, auction catalog clippings, copies of Soutine's personal correspondence,
as well as Courthion's correspondence with owners of the artist's paintings are also included.
Box 11, Folder 10-13
Black-and-white photographs,
1914-1919
Box 12-15
Black-and-white photographs and papers,
1913-1976, undated
Box 39, Folder 10-15
Transparencies and negatives,
undated
Box 17, Folder 1
Stein, Anne-Marie,
1969, undated
Scope and Content Note
Letters to Courthion from the artist and her husband, Aristid Szendy, and notes and essay by Courthion.
Box 17, Folder 2
Szendy, Aristid,
1969, undated
Scope and Content Note
Writings and notes on the artist by Courthion, photographs of his works, and printed material. See also file for Anne-Marie
Stein, the artist's wife.
Box 17, Folder 3
Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de,
1956-1966, undated
Scope and Content Note
Clippings from auction catalogs and notes by Courthion.
Box 17, Folder 4-5
Van Gogh, Vincent,
1950, undated
Scope and Content Note
Draft essay and notes, printed introduction by Courthion to a monograph, a copy of Van Gogh's birth certificate, and photographs
of his house, town and people of his community.
Box 17, Folder 6
Włodarski, Marek,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of his works and typed biographical note.
Box 40, Folder 1-2
Yankel,
1958-1962, undated
Scope and Content Note
Photographs and transparencies of his works, ephemera, and Courthion's notes.
Box 17, Folder 7-11
Various artists,
1949-1967, undated
Scope and Content Note
Materials are arranged alphabetically by artist.
Box 40, Folder 3
Unidentified artists,
undated
Series II.
National and regional art and history,
1901-1987, undated
Physical Description:
2.0 linear feet
(4.5 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
This series includes preparatory research files related to the general history, art and culture of particular regions and
national schools of art and artists. The material is related to several of Courthion's monographs on subjects such as the
history of European art from antiquity to the Renaissance, the history of Paris, Montmartre and French art, and Dutch and
Flemish painting.
Arrangement
Arranged by region or country of origin.
Box 18, Folder 1-3
American,
1955-1961, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion's notes and clippings. Reproductions of art at and text about the Museum of Modern Art, New York are also included.
General note
Refers to United States artists and art.
Box 18, Folder 4-5
Asian,
1957-1959, undated
Scope and Content Note
Clippings, ephemera, and Courthion's notes.
Box 18-22
European,
1955-1967, undated
Box 18, Folder 6-18
History of European painting,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Includes research and writing pertaining to the history of European art from antiquity through 20th century. Much of the material
is related to Courthion's monograph
Naissance de la peinture en Europe: les primitifs (Paris, 1984) and his introduction to a history of European painting from the earliest times to medieval art.
See also Series III. Topical research and writing for topics on art from Romanticism through 20th century art.
Box 19, Folder 1-3
Dutch and Flemish,
1967, undated
Scope and Content Note
Research and writings on 15th century through 17th century Dutch art covering artists such as Rogier van der Weiden, Jan van
Eyck, and Rembrandt. Notes and drafts are preparatory for Courthion's major book project on Dutch and Flemish painting,
La peinture hollandaise et flamande.
Box 19, Folder 4
English,
1955, undated
Scope and Content Note
Lecture by T.S.R. Boase and printed materials.
Box 19-21
French,
1956-1957, undated
Scope and Content Note
Research and writings related to the history, culture and art of France, Paris and Montmartre, subjects of several of Courthion's
monographs. Predominately Courthion's hand-written notes, but also includes some correspondence, postcards and photographs.
See also Series III. Topical research and writing for material on French-related movements - Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism
and art and culture of Montmartre, post-Impressionism and later movements.
Box 21, Folder 9
Italian,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Eight black-and-white photographs of a church in Verona.
Box 21, Folder 10
Polish,
1957-1962, undated
Scope and Content Note
Ephemera for exhibitions of Polish artists, and black-and-white photographs.
Box 21, Folder 11
Spanish,
1987
Scope and Content Note
Typed materials from exhibitions of Spanish artists in Paris.
Box 21-22
Swiss and German,
1901-1980, undated
Scope and Content Note
Essay drafts and notes by Courthion, clippings, photographs and postcards. Includes material on Courthion's project, "Genève
ou le portrait des Töpffer."
Box 22, Folder 3-4
South American,
1960-1964, undated
Scope and Content Note
Notes by Courthion and printed materials on Venezuela. Photographs of the Museu do Ouro in Brazil.
Series III.
Topical research and writing,
1921-1972, undated
Physical Description:
3.1 linear feet
(7 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of Courthion's research and writings on art historical movements and topics from the late 18th century
through the 20th century: Romanticism and Realism to Impressionism, post-Impressionism and movements such as Fauvism, Expressionism
and Cubism and later 20th century art. The majority of the files relate to Courthion's research on Impressionism. Files include
many handwritten notes and typescript essays, most of which are heavily edited. Includes some published material, photographs,
and correspondence, most related to certain publications in progress.
Also included are Courthion's autobiographical essays which appear as chapters in his autobiography,
D'une palette à l'autre : mémoires d'un critique d'art, (published in Geneva in 2004), notes on his study of the topic of mountains for
La Montagne (a book he collaborated on), with a manuscript of his poem, "Mauvoisin," and other miscellaneous writings. In addition to
his critical writings on art, Courthion also wrote poetry and literary pieces, some of which appeared in literary journals.
His poetical and prose manuscripts are included here.
Material associated with individual artists may also be found in Series I. Artist files.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by historical movement or time period with miscellaneous materials at the end.
Box 22-23
Romanticism,
1960-1969, undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory research and writing files.
Box 23-24
Realism,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Preparatory research and writings including material on Courbet, Daumier, Millet and the Barbizon school.
Box 24-27, 40
Impressionism and 20th century art,
1921-1972, undated
Scope and Content Note
Courthion avidly researched and wrote about the Impressionist movement and both its precursors and followers. Included are
his research and writings on Impressionism, Montmartre and modern and contemporary art of the 19th through 20th century period.
The bulk of the material is his handwritten and typescript notes and drafts for publications. Also includes preparatory materials
for Courthion's monographs
Montmartre (1956),
Autour de l'Impressionisme (circa 1964),
Utrillo e Montmartre (1969) and
Impressionisme (1972) as well as various articles. Other writings in this series chronicle the history of Post-Impressionism and modern
art movements such as the Tachistes-Nabis and Fauves, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada, Surrealism, and later 20th century
movements and developments in abstract art.
Photographs, correspondence regarding publications projects, and printed material are also present throughout. Other topics
include: Die Brücke, the German Expressionist group from Dresden; writings and research on 19th through 20th century art critics
such as Zola, Venturi, and Benedetto Croce; and essays on the international art market, art forgeries, and art collectors
such as Armand Hammer.
Includes Courthion's art works and several photographs likely taken by him.
Box 40, Folder 4
Slides
Scope and Content Note
Includes an audiovisual project, "L'école de Paris, de Picasso à nos jours," that was part of Courthion's lecture series.
Box 27, Folder 7-9
19th-20th century french literature,
undated
Scope and Content Note
Including Rimbaud, Apollinaire and Valéry.
Box 27-28
Miscellaneous texts,
1947-1972, undated
Scope and Content Note
Includes preparatory drafts for Courthion's autobiography,
D'une palette à l'autre: mémoires d'un critique d'art, a recollection of his life and professional development and preparatory research and writings related to mountains, the Swiss
alps, and Courthion's collaboration on
La montagne (Paris: Larousse, 1956). A manuscript of his poetry, "Mauvoisin," is also included.
Series IV.
Printed materials,
1921-1985, undated
Physical Description:
3.1 linear feet
(7 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of published articles, offprints, clippings from auction catalogs, journals, periodicals, and printed
museum, gallery and auction ephemera, openings, etc. Clippings make up a large portion of this series since Courthion collected
press reviews and articles published by himself and others on art which appeared in various journals, periodicals and newspapers.
The bulk of printed materials is in French, with some in German and Italian. Includes some photocopies and photostats.
All other series also include some printed materials when they were used directly for research or were related to Courthion's
travels and professional activities.
Arrangement
Arranged by type of document.
Box 29-31, 38*
Journal and newspaper clippings and ephemera
Box 31-34
Auction catalog clippings
Series V.
Professional, teaching and personal files,
1906-1980, undated
Physical Description:
1.4 linear feet
(3 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of files relating to Pierre Courthion's business, professional and teaching affairs as well as documents
and correspondence of a more personal nature. Courthion's curriculum vitae and his father, Louis Courthion's, certificate
of residency from Geneva are included, along with miscellaneous correspondence with artists, their families, and various of
his associates.
Arrangement
Within each broad grouping, files are arranged chronologically with undated materials at the end.
Box 35-36, 40
Teaching and professional activities,
1934-1974, undated
Scope and Content Note
Travel documents, printed materials, correspondence, preparatory lecture and conference notes and other writings from travels
to the United States, Canada, South America, Japan and Korea. Includes correspondence with officials and artists, photographs,
postcards and ephemera.
See Series III. Topical research and writings for autobiographical writings on his travels. For related materials on individual
artists, see also Series I. Artist files.
Box 36-37, 38*
Miscellaneous correspondence and files,
1906-1980, undated
Scope and Content Note
Includes letters sent and received. Primarily professional correspondence with publishers regarding research and writing projects
and publications, but also some relating to travel, lectures and conferences, and other professional activities as well as
correspondence of a more personal nature with artists, their families and various acquaintances.
Box 36, Folder 18-20
Papers,
1906-1980, undated
Box 37
Papers,
1906-1980, undated
Box 38*, Folder 2
Document,
1906
Scope and Content Note
Geneva certificate of residency for Louis Courthion, Pierre's father.