Artists' Suppliers' Marks from the Alexander Katlan Papers

Alexander W. Katlan is a fine art paintings conservator and owner of Alexander Katlan Conservator Inc., located in Flushing, New York. He received his master's degree in fine arts conservation at the Dominican University's program in Villa Schifanoia, near Florence, Italy, and a master's degree in art history from Queen's College, City University of New York. He also studied micro-chemical analysis and art conservation microscopy at the McCrone Research Institute. He is a member of both the American Institute for Conservation and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Katlan has written many articles and books, particularly focusing on artist materials, such as canvas and boards, and suppliers, known as colormen, in 19th century America. Most notably, he has published two volumes of American Artists' Materials Suppliers Directory Nineteenth Century, and several books on the exhibits held by New York City's Salmagundi Club.

The contents of the online collection include photographs of items accumulated by Katlan, primarily for his two volumes of American Artists’ Materials Suppliers Directory. The contents reflect his interest in local and foreign colormen’s stencil marks and labels on the verso of artists’ canvases, boards, and stretchers, giving light to information on sources of 19^th century American artists’ materials.  Several labels represent art dealers and products that also serve to help date works.  Katlan's primary focus of his research included cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and London.