Lucy M. Stanton collection, 1867-1997

Summary

Creator:
Stanton, Lucy M., 1875-1931
Date:
1867-1997
Extent:
2.6 Linear Feet 6 document boxes, 1 slide box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Lucy M. Stanton collection, ms3486, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of works of art and materials relating to Lucy May Stanton, Frances Forbes Heyn, and W. Stanton Forbes. Items includes scrapbooks, exhibition catalogs, photographs, calling cards and memorabilia relating to Lucy May Stanton's funeral, family expense records, sketchbooks, paint pots and paint brushes used by W. Stanton Forbes, ivory pieces, and an audiotape of Frances Forbes Heyn singing Gullah songs. There is also corespondence from Stanton, Heyn, and Forbes, and printed material concerning Lucy M. Stanton.

Biographical / historical:

Lucy May Stanton (1875-1931) is best known as a painter of portrait miniatures in watercolor on ivory, during a revival of that art form, which took place during the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States after 1890. Her mature style in miniature painting is distinguished by her innovative use of broad washes, and her portraits, both miniature and full-scale, and particularly those depicting African Americans, are powerful evocations of character, expression, and mood. Working in the Deep South in the early twentieth century, Stanton was among the first artists to represent black subjects without sentimentality or prejudice.

Lucy was born in Atlanta and educated and the Southern Female College, and taught classes both there and other schools once she graduated. Her professional artist career began in 1894. She studied abroad in Paris twice (1896-1898 and 1905-1906) where she received most of her formal instruction in art. She died in 1931 from a sudden illness.

W. Stanton Forbes was born in Athens, Georgia. He was the son of Lucy Stanton's sister, Willie Forbes. As a child, he studied art with his aunt, the artist Lucy May Stanton. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1932 with a BA in English and received a Master's degree in English from Vanderbilt University under the poet John Crowe Ransom.

Frances Forbes Heyn (1906-2005) was Lucy May Stanton's niece. She married Anton Heyn (1906-1992).

For more information, see the article Lucy May Stanton in the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Lucy M. Stanton collection, ms3486, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.