William Woodward (American/Louisiana, 1859-1939)

sketchbook of 13 graphite on paper drawings and 11 watercolors on paper, including one double-sided, some with dates, inscriptions, notations, and signature, green cloth boards.
7-1/4" x 10-1/4"

Provenance: Purchased from the estate of William Woodward's daughter; thence by descent to present owner

Notes: A native of Massachusetts and long-time resident of New Orleans, William Woodward was an influential member of the American art community as an artist, educator, and preservationist.
He attended the recently established Rhode Island School of Design and the Massachusetts Art Normal School, where he first became interested in architecture, before spending several months at the prestigious Academie Julian in Paris.
In 1884, Woodward was recruited to Tulane University in New Orleans to create and head the art department; he was to remain at that institution until 1921, when he retired as professor emeritus. During his tenure at Tulane, Woodward helped form Newcomb College, created New Orleans Art Pottery, and founded Tulane University School of Architecture - in addition to supervising the architectural plans of many of the University buildings. Woodward was a leading figure in the preservationist movement, and his participation was crucial to the eventual survival of many historically and culturally significant New Orleans neighborhoods, most notably the Vieux Carre.
The two sketchbooks offered here as lots 971 and 972 are exceptional and rare examples of Woodward's work, and reveal the range of his artistic interests - from meticulously composed, detailed portraits to architectural renderings completed in a few, confident pencil strokes. The sketchbooks were completed over a period of time and include a few brief expository notations. They are a fascinating and compelling record of the people, places, and structures which caught the attention of this master draughtsman.
References: Robert Hinckley.William Woodward American Impressionist New Orleans: MPress, 2009. Jean Moore Bragg and Dr. Susan Saward, Painting the Town: The Woodward Brothers Come to New Orleans, New Orleans: Jean Bragg Gallery, 2004.