Lot 660: 3 Univ. TN Yearbooks, Catherine Wiley Artwork, 1912-1913

THE VOLUNTEER, three (3) University of Tennessee college yearbooks, 1912-1913, featuring lithographs by Anna Catherine Wiley (Tennessee, 1879-1958), one of Tennessee's most important nationally known artists. Each yearbook contains at least 8 printed drawings, each bearing Wiley's printed signature in the plates. The 1913 yearbook features a photographic portrait of, and dedication to, Wiley: "Instructor in freehand drawing … whose active interest in The Volunteer for many years past has been unfailing and whose capable service in its behalf, always freely rendered, has been highly valued." (Note: there are 2 copies of the 1913 yearbook for a total of 24 prints, 18 images). Each book measures 10 1/2" x 8 1/4". Note: Catherine Wiley was one of the early female students at the University of Tennessee, and was later credited with establishing formal art instruction at the school. She studied at the Art Students League in New York under Frank DuMond, and spent summers learning from major American impressionists such as Robert Reid, Jonas Lie, and Martha Walter. She won numerous prizes including two Gold Medals at the Appalachian Exposition in 1910 and her paintings were exhibited at prominent American venues including the National Academy of Design in New York and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Wiley's thriving career was ended by a mental collapse which left her institutionalized from about 1925 until her death.

CONDITION: Covers in worn, heavily used and stained condition with losses and chipping. Spine of 1912 yearbook has been taped. 1 of Wiley's illustrations on gray paper, "Plan Tales from the Hill," has come loose and has losses to edges. However, most interior pages -including Wiley's works – are in good condition with minor handling wear.