NY Historic Society FOLK ART Collection of Elie & Viola Nadelman

This exhibit will enthrall fans of folk art, antiques from the mid 19thC - early 20thC and "Antique Roadshow" junkies.  I was corrected of my misconception that FOLK ART represents  drawings paintings, household objects and quilts being solely of American origin.  Folk Art is NOT indigineous to Amer.  A major mistaken misnomer (on my part.)  This exhibition features more than 200 sculptures, furniture, figureheads & objects clearly indicating Amer Folk Art is derived from Europe.  Many pieces originated in England, Denmark, Germany and France.  The majority of works aren't identifiable by the artist.  The entire exhibition stems from the personal collection which belonged to the modernist sculpture Elie Nadelman (b. 1882 Warsaw - d. Amer 1946) and his wife Viola.  Nadelman immigrated to the US in 1914. He married heiress/socialite Viola Flannery.  Together they avidly amassed more than 15,000 folk art items.  The vast majority of which the Nadelamans sold to the NY Historic Soc following their financial ruin during the Depression.  Upon entering, you're greeted by 3 life-size wooden trade figure sculptures; an Afr. Amer cigar holder, a female Native Amer Indian & a Highlander.  These pieces are both intriguing and off-putting in their demeaning characterizations.  The gallery resembled an antigue rummage sale.  I was dismissive of most of the flat paintings & miniature figurines.  Still, I found the 2 handwoven quilts exquisite; a wreath & sunburst pattern.  And, I admired the boxes/chests & detailed carved wooden masts.  These items were both elaborate & simple in design.  Two noteworthy paintings depict Washington crossing the Delaware & Lady Liberty.  I was most captivated by noting the influence this collection had on the artist's own modernist classical style sculptures.  The pairing down of Nadelman's shapes & forms correlate beautifully to pieces in the couple's collection.