Hoblitzelle Collection Records
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of records related to the Hoblitzelle collections of old master paintings and English silver on long-term loan and then donated to the DMA. The collection also contains collected research on the collection and its contextual history. Each topic is represented by a series.
The Old Master series dates from 1937-1874, with some related reference material dating from 1873 and 1899. The series includes correspondence, appraisals, object files and related publications. Correspondants include Karl Hoblitzelle, museum directors, and Charles Muskovtich, the conservator hired to work on the collection.
The Silver series dates primarily from the 1980s and includes loan information, appraisals and announcement of the donation.
The Related Reseearch series contains summary notes and photocopies of relevant documents at other institutions. Research was conducted by Natalie Lee on Clarence Hoblitzelle, his relationship with Mildred Bliss, and Charles Muskovitch. McDermott Intern Britnany Luberda created biographical information on Clarence and Karl and Ester Hoblitzelle, and the collection prior to Clarence's acquisition of it. There is also a subseries on other outside research that references Muskovitch or Hoblitzelle.
Dates
- 1871 - 2014
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for public research. Researchers must make an appointment to view this collection.
Institution-wide restriction on publicly disclosing the purchase price or appraised value of a work of art (DMA Acquisition and Deaccession Policies and Procedures) or anonymous donor information may apply to this collection. This information is only accessible to DMA staff or representatives.
Biographical / Historical
The Hoblitzelle old master paintings were acquired by Clarence Hoblitzelle from a Peruvian collector. Clarence's brother Karl Hoblitzelle, a Dallas Art Association trustee (1929-1966), placed 43 paintings on long term loan at the Dallas Museum of Fine Art in 1937. The museum hired a conservator, Charles Muskovitch to work on the collection, which arrived in very poor condition.
Karl and Esther Hoblitzelle collected English silver for use at the many social gatherings they held. Robert Lynn Harris, Executive Vice-President and Grant Coordinator of the Hoblitzelle Foundation explained the unique character of the Hoblitzelle silver collection: "The silver was not assembled as a collection per se; they simply bought things to enjoy in their home and their good taste led them to the better craftsmen." The Hoblitzelles were famous for giving elegant dinner parties, and they purchased their enormous collection of silver not as a museum curator might, but rather to use and enjoy in their home with their guests."
Karl Hoblitzelle (1879-1967), originally from St. Louis, established Dallas business connections in 1905, when he founded the interstate Amusement Company, which owned and operated a string of vaudeville houses and movie palaces throughout much of Texas. His business interests later branched into the booming oil and gas, real estate, and banking industries. In 1920 he married Esther Thomas, who, under the stage name Esther Walker (1894-1943), had pursued a career as a singer and actress in New York. After their wedding, the couple made Dallas their permanent home.
Esther and Karl Hoblitzelle establisahed the Hoblitzelle Foundation to help support "charitable, scientific, literary, or educational efforts," primarily in the Dallas area. When Esther died prematurely in 1943, the bulk of her estate went to the foundation, which also received most of Karl's estate after his death in 1967. The paintings, which became the property of the Hoblitzelle Foundation, remained on loan to the Dallas Museum for fifty years.
The Hoblitzelle Foundation's donated 550 pieces of 18th-century British silver in 1987, making the Dallas Museum of Art one of the most prominent collections of this material in the United States. This magnificent act of generosity also included a gift of 38 Old Master European paintings and nine 19th-century American paintings.
[Adapted from DMA Insight on the Hoblitzelle Foundation, https://collections.dma.org/essay/XPxL4xjk]
Extent
1.92 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection consists of records related to the Hoblitzelle collections of old master paintings and English silver on long-term loan and then donated to the DMA. The collection also contains collected research on the collection and its contextual history.
Arrangement
The Holbitzelle Collection Records are arranged in three series: Old Master Paintings, Silver, and Related Research.
Processing Information
Collection was processed by Hillary Bober.
Additional description/notes were added for DACS compliance and ArchivesSpace local usage guidelines in 2021.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Hoblitzelle Collection Records
- Author
- Hillary Bober.
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2021-09-17: Museum Archives collection number assigned as identifier following new protocol. Collection was formerly assigned Special Collection number SC-046.
Repository Details
Part of the Dallas Museum of Art Archives Repository