Dispatch 03
june 2022

In the News
We are pleased to share with you a special cover story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette magazine by veteran fine art writer Marylynne Pitz. Marylynne’s thoughtful feature chronicles David Hanna’s life and art, new information that is coming to light about his artistic journey, and our efforts to make his work available to a wider audience.

Featured Artwork
On a recent visit to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, an 18th-century Pennsylvania German chest in their collection reminded us of a similar one exquisitely rendered in several David Hanna artworks such as Dawn, 1973 and Dower Chest, 1972. This chest held by the David Hanna Trust was meticulously restored by the artist for personal use and was part of his practice of creating source materials featured in his artworks. The similarities to the chest displayed at the Barnes Foundation are intriguing. A rigorous life-long student of art history with a deep commitment to the traditions of both American and European Art, Hanna shared Barnes’ understanding of how seemingly unrelated styles, when grouped together, illuminate connections and deepen the visual experience. In Dawn, this is demonstrated in the modern coolness of the figure’s gaze fixed on the morning dawn, the rich detail of the dower chest, choice of egg tempera, and the Vermeer-like brilliant blues that dominate the picture plane.

The painting Dawn was chosen by Dr. Paul Albert Chew, director emeritus of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, for the 1977 exhibition DAVID HANNA: Paintings, Watercolors, Drawings. In the accompanying catalog, Chew identified the chest as a Pennsylvania Dutch dower chest and related the tulip motif to the lily of Medieval art, and the unicorn as symbols of innocence, purity, and virtue. Chew saw the white wedding dress which the figure holds as underscoring these themes.

Message from The Trust
Last month we traveled to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts to document additional David Hanna artworks. The generosity and assistance of collectors and institutions, stalwart stewards of works in their possessions, are deeply appreciated. We would like to especially acknowledge the Masons, who today hold major works in Hanna’s oeuvre produced during the artist’s zenith in the late 1960s and 1970s. The family championed the artist, collected and commissioned work, and once again opened their home in support of our legacy building efforts. A special thanks to Jane Mason Grasso who enthusiastically and warmly facilitated activities and shared tender, vivid memories during our interview with Marylynne Pitz. For behind the scenes images, see our Instagram @davidhanna_art.

Warmly,