From the Archives: Carl Sadakichi Hartmann

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Phillips’s Library & Archives spotlights artist Carl Sadakichi Hartmann through materials in the archives. 

Carl Sadakichi Hartmann (November 8, 1867–November 22, 1944) was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and art critic. He wrote to founder Duncan Phillips regularly between 1935 and 1940, sometimes sharing his writings and works of art along with requests for educational resources and financial support. Two of his pastels on paper are in the permanent collection: A Buddha in the Sky (currently on view) and Moonrise San Jacinto. A Japanese Print.

In a letter dated October 15, 1938, Hartmann writes with gratitude for having received a copy of The Leadership of Giorgione (a 1937 Phillips Memorial Gallery publication). He states, “I never saw the close relationship of Giorgione and Titian so clearly, and your appreciation of the Storm over Castelfranco is inspiring even to an old artwrangler as I am.” Included with his correspondence is a black-and-white photograph of Hartmann, captioned, “Sadakichi’s shack 14 x 22, Sept 15, 1938.” Hartmann, then in his early 70s, built a home on his daughter’s ranch outside Banning, California, where he spent the rest of his life.

Historic Phillips Collection publications such as The Leadership of Giorgione are available for reference in the library by appointment  (archives@phillipscollection.org).