Collection

COLLECTION

About The Collection

The Dubuque Museum of Art collection spans the 19th century to today and focuses on the art of our region, from artists or donors connected to our region. Of particular strength are significant works by Iowa Regionalist Grant Wood, the complete collection of Edward S. Curtis’s The North American Indian, and the repository of etcher and children's author Arthur Geisert.

The DuMA Collection Online

Using the DuMA online database, you can find information and images for every work of art in the collection as well as select works on loan to the Museum. You can also submit requests to use an image, view a work in person, or update information about a work.

The online database was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IGSM-245851-OMS-20) and the State Historical Society of Iowa, Historical Resource Development Program. To support ongoing digitization, research, and virtual resources at DuMA, please consider making a gift.

Explore Online Collection Categories

The online database was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IGSM-245851-OMS-20) www.imls.gov and the State Historical Society of Iowa, Historical Resource Development Program.

Conservation Corner

Caring for and preserving the artwork in the collection is one of the Museum’s fundamental responsibilities. By “adopting” a work in the Conservation Corner, you ensure that these works receive the professional attention they need for their long-term care.

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
There are many ways to contribute, and each is greatly appreciated.

  • “Adopt” the current featured work and your name will be associated with the work in our database and each time it is on view.
  • Become a Friend of the Collection by making an annual donation of at least $100 toward collection care. In acknowledgement of your pledge, your name will be listed on the Friend’s donor board in the Conservation Corner.
  • Contribute whatever amount you can for collection care. Donations can be made online, via mail, or dropped in the Conservation Corner donation box at the Museum. Every dollar helps fund continuing efforts to conserve the collection.
Glasell-Farm Swiss Valley

Criss Glasell (Austria, 1898 – United States, 1971)
Farm – Swiss Valley
Not dated
Oil on composition board, 26 x 36 inches
Gift of Barbara M. Peterson, in memory of her husband Walter F. Peterson, 2010.4

Criss Glasell was an important part of Dubuque’s thriving arts community in the 1920s-1940s. Born in Vienna, she immigrated to America with her family as a child and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to Dubuque in 1925. She and her husband, Don, ran a popular gallery and studio on Main Street and were active in the Dubuque Art Association (later renamed the Dubuque Museum of Art). Grant Wood was a friend and mentor to her and she attended his Stone City Art Colony in the summers of 1932 and 1933. She was influential in bringing Wood to Dubuque in 1934 for a special exhibit and lecture. Glasell exhibited her work widely during her lifetime and won many regional and national awards.

Condition Assessment

CONDITION ASSESSMENT and TREATMENT PROPOSAL

This painting is only in fair condition. There is a large paint chip on the right edge. There is extensive paint loss and scratches overall.

Treatment: The surface will be cleaned to remove grime. The conservator will retouch the scattered spots of loss and damage. The work will be reframed.

Treatment estimate: $2000

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