The Folk Art Collection of Elie and Viola Nadelman at New-York Historical Society, May 20 – August 21, 2016

Photographs by Corrado Serra.

“Widely recognized for his elegant and spare modernist sculptures, Elie Nadelman is less known for his role as a pioneering American folk art collector. This summer, the New-York Historical Society celebrates the seminal collection assembled by the modernist artist and his wife in The Folk Art Collection of Elie and Viola Nadelman. Featuring more than 200 objects across a wide range of media―including furniture, sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, iron, textiles, drawings and watercolors, and household tools―this is the first major exhibition to focus on the Nadelmans’ trailblazing venture. Many of the objects on view are drawn from the New-York Historical Society’s Nadelman collection, acquired from the artist in 1937, and is supplemented by several key loans of Elie Nadelman’s sculpture.” ― New-York Historical Society

Exhibition entrance with Fire Chief Harry Howard (1822–1896), ca. 1855, Unidentified American Maker, New York City. New-York Historical Society.

Second from right: Sailor tobacco shop figure, ca. 1850–60, Probably Workshop of Thomas V. Brooks (American, 1828–1895), New York City.

Elie Nadelman, Piano Player (Pianiste), ca. 1921. Harvard Art Museums / Fogg Museum, Imaging Department, photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College © Estate of Elie Nadelman

Top left: Unidentified French makers, Milliner’s heads (three), 1820–70. New-York Historical Society. Top center: Wilhelm Schimmel (American, 1817–1890), Carved eagles, ca. 1865–70. New-York Historical Society.