Eugene Colby collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArt-0019

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Eugene Colby collection contains landscapes: 3 etchings, 2 oil on canvas paintings, 11 charcoal drawings, and 2 pencil drawings. The collection also contains a rudimentary student lap desk made by Colby.

Paintings:

Old Apple Tree (1896)
Birches (1929)

Charcoal drawings:

Country Side Scene
Hemlock Channel
Hillside
Lake Scene
New Empress Isle
Near Hemlock Channel
Near L.S. 47
Near Mt. Washington Isle
Shawanaga River, Georgian Bay [1]
Shawanaga River, Georgian Bay [2]
Untitled [sunset on water]

Pencil drawings:

Buffalo, Park
On the dock at Buffalo, NY, August 15, 1883

Dates

Creation: circa 1883-1929

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Eugene C. Colby (1846-1930) was the first principal of the Mechanics Institute and first director of its art school. He taught mechanical drawing the first semester the school operated (1885). Colby also wrote an early history of the school, tracing its development from 1885-1925. Although his professional field was mechanical drawing, he was recognized as an accomplished landscape painter. The RIT Art Collection holds several of Colby's landscape etchings, paintings, and drawings.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (1 Oversize lid box, 1 Framed painting, 1 Desk, 1 flat box containing scrapbook)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Eugene Colby collection contains drawings, etchings, oil paintings, and a student desk made by Colby.

Arrangement

Collection materials are arranged by size.

Physical Location

C.S. South, Shelf 554
RIT Art Collection

Bibliography

Eugene Colby at Art on Campus, Rochester Institute of Technology
Additional description and images of artist work in View It! The Art and Architecture of RIT. By David Pankow, Becky Simmons, Houghton Wetherald. Rochester, NY: Cary Graphic Arts Press, 2004.