Vollon Correspondence Collection

Materials in this collection were assembled by Carol Forman Tabler, a curator and scholar of Antoine Vollon, through gifts and purchases during the course of her research. Items are divided into three series according to the principal correspondent.

Series I: Antoine Vollon Correspondence, 1862-1900 consists mainly of correspondence in French received by Antoine Vollon, with a small number of handwritten letters sent by Antoine. Many of the correspondents are fellow artists writing to Antoine as a friend, peer, teacher, and member of the jury for the Paris Salon. Official correspondence from various government entities regards art purchases made by the State; artwork commissioned by the State; Antoine's Chevalier and Officier de la Légion d'honneur decorations; Antoine's service as a juror of the painting section at the Paris Salon in the 1870s; and his entries in the Exposition Universelle and the Exposition Decennale. Correspondence, receipts, invitations and other records document Antoine's affiliation with the Société des Artistes Français and the Institut de France Académie des Beaux Arts, including a vote tally illustrating Antoine's election to the Institut in 1897.

Series II: Alexis Vollon Correspondence, 1888-1937 consists mainly of correspondence in French received by Alexis Vollon, with several letters written by Alexis, and a small amount of correspondence addressed to his wife Mathilde. Correspondents are largely fellow artists, many of whom were also acquainted with his father, Antoine. The correspondence regards Paris Salons, Antoine Vollon and his art, praise for Alexis' art, and congratulations on accomplishments. Other topics include invitations and appointments, news of friends and family, health, and World War I.

Series III: Other Correspondents, 1846-1935 contains correspondence in French where neither Antoine nor Alexis Vollon is the identified sender or recipient. Correspondents are French artists often writing to other French artists. Letters are filed under the name of the sender, and recipients are noted when known. Many of the correspondents are also found in Series I and Series II above, and it is possible that some of the anonymous recipients are actually Antoine or Alexis. Correspondence regards specific works of art, submissions to exhibitions, Salon entries and Salon business, Antoine’s election to the Institut, invitations and regrets, and condolences.

Each item of correspondence is generally accompanied by a typed transcript and short summary in English created by Carol Forman Tabler.