Collection Overview

Repository:

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives.

Creator:

Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

Title:

Jean Xceron records

Call Number:

A0061

Dates:

1939-1976 (bulk 1939-1960)

Volume:

1.25 cubic ft. (4 boxes)

Historical Abstract:

In 1939 Jean Xceron (JX) was hired by the Museum of Non-Objective Painting. Throughout his tenure of over 20 years, JX was responsible for the inventory and storage of artworks, shipping and transport, and, eventually, conservation recommendations.

Scope and Content Abstract:

The Jean Xceron (JX) records span the years 1939-1976 (bulk 1939-1960) and document JX's work as the custodian at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM). Records include exhibition records, memoranda, storage inventories, and loan records. The bulk of the records relate to the SRGM's permanent collection, exhibitions and warehouse storage.

Location:

CF

Language:

Collection is primarily in English.

Arrangement:

Organized into 2 series: 1. Background; and 2. Administration

Restrictions:

The collection is partially restricted.

Publication Rights:

Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Manager of the Library and Archives.

Preferred Citation:

Jean Xceron records. A0061. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives, New York, NY.

Subjects:

Museum of Non-Objective Painting
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Contributors:

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Xceron, Jean, 1890-1967

Finding aid prepared by Francine Snyder in June 2010.

Sponsor Logo

The processing and select digitization of this collection was generously funded in part by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Jean Xceron (JX), born in 1890, first emigrated from Greece to the United States in 1904. Here he spent time in Washington, DC and New York before moving to Paris in the late 1920s. Trained as an artist, JX studied Classical antiquity at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington and was exposed to Cubism in Paris. In 1938, he permanently settled in New York and joined the American Abstract Artist group. Around this time, he met Hilla Rebay (HR), curator and director of the Museum of Non-Objective Painting (MNOP), precursor to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. HR, who had acquired JX's work after viewing it in an exhibition at the Nierendorf Gallery, offered JX a position at the MNOP in 1939.

JX started at the MNOP as a guard and gradually transitioned into the custodian and caretaker of the art collection. Throughout his tenure, JX was responsible for the inventory and storage of the artwork in the collection, preparing artworks for shipping and transport, and, eventually, conservation recommendations. At the same time, JX continued to paint and the MNOP continued to acquire his work.

JX died in 1967 after working at the MNOP (later renamed the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum), for more than 20 years.

Scope and Content Note

Series Descriptions

Folder List