Manierre Dawson (1887-1969) A Catalogue Raisonné

Manierre Dawson (1887-1969) has been heralded as one of the most innovative American artists of his generation.  He created his first series of non-representational abstract paintings in the spring of 1910, making him the first American artist to paint abstractly--a significant position in art history.  Inclusion in the influential 1913 Armory Show in Chicago furthered his life-long commitment to abstract art.

This richly illustrated catalogue raisonné is the first comprehensive examination of Dawson’s life and work.  The publication provides detailed provenance, exhibition histories, and bibliographic references for his known 512 drawings, paintings, and sculpture.  The catalogued works are illustrated--including 71 in color--and many of them are reproduced for the first time.  An in-depth essay by Dr. Randy J. Ploog, of The Pennsylvania State University, examines the artist’s career and explores Dawson’s legacy as one of the most innovative, compelling, and masterful of American artists.

The catalogue entries are annotated with the artist’s statements and augmented by the facsimile reproduction of Dawson’s handwritten “Record of Paintings and Sculpture” (circa 1903-1963) and a transcription of his personal “Journal,” spanning the majority of his career.  A series of detailed appendices furnish detailed accounts of the artist’s exhibition history and works in public collections.

Authored by Randy J. Ploog, Myra Bairstow and Ani Boyajian, this publication is an invaluable resource to scholars in all fields of American art, facilitating a deeper understanding of Dawson’s work and his place in art history.