"American Artists' Material Vol. II" greatly expands upon "American Artists' Materials: Suppliers Directory, Nineteenth Century" (now out of print). That book, now referred to as Volume I, concentrates upon the commercial suppliers of art materials and illustrates many stencils found on the backs of canvas, panels, and stretchers.
This book, Volume II, focuses on the actual art materials themselves. It is hoped that by providing supplementary information never before published, this volume will reinforce its service to researchers who seek to identify and authenticate unsigned and undated nineteenth century American paintings.
An emphasis is placed upon the examination of the different types of patented stretchers, panels, artist boards, and canvas types. Supportive evidence, such as labels and stencils, are illustrated as an extension of Volume I. The documentation of many original stretcher patents, as well as their descriptions in the art trade catalogues, will also be useful in the research process. The late Richard Buck's previously unpublished research on stretchers is a special addition, and clearly helps to define American stretcher types.
Another feature continued from the first volume is the inclusion of new checklists of the commercial art suppliers of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Many canvas marks have been illustrated, thereby providing a dating reference for preprimed canvas from these two important cities. Researchers will also find a checklist of eighteenth century carvers, gilders, and related craftsmen of New York city.
Information on the major British art materials supply firms that exported to the American market has also been included. Some of the British technical developments that were used by artists on both sides of the Atlantic are also discussed. Accordingly, illustrations of British canvas marks, and a selected list of British Patents from 1617 to 1900, have been included. Alec Cobbe's definitive article on the dating of Winsor & Newton Canvas marks have been reproduced through the courtesy of the authors and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
Finally, this volume ends with three case studies. It is hoped that they will serve as practical examples of how these volumes may be used to reinforce the extensive technical research required of conservators.
Price: $59.50
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