Drawings

The American Antiquarian Society's collection of drawings consists of over 550 items in graphite, pen, ink and wash, chalk, watercolor and charcoal ranging in size from items used as bookmarks to large landscapes and portraits intended for display in the home; there are also over a dozen sketchbooks. The collection ranges in date from the late 1700s to the early twentieth century, with the bulk dating from the mid-nineteenth century. For the most part, the works in this collection are by amateurs, not professional artists.

Access

The online AAS Drawings Collection Inventory includes a thumbnail image, detailed description, and dimensions for each drawing. Date and acquisition information is included when it is available. A descriptive list of additions to the collection was made in 2020.

Other AAS collecions containing drawings include the Cross Family Collection, David Claypoole Johnston Family Collection, George Dubois Family Collection, Henry James Warre Collection, Louis Maurer Collection, McLoughlin Bros. Collection, and the Sidney L. Smith Collection.