New Book Highlights Paintings by Rosary College's First Art Department Director
A new publication from Dominican University Archives highlights the art of Sr. Catharine Wall, OP, the first director of Rosary College's Art Department.
The book, Sister Catharine Wall, was created by MLIS student and Archives Assistant Gabrielle Hammarlund (design, photos and text) and DU Archivist Steven Szegedi (text and editing). It features nine oil paintings created by the artist and establishes a timeline of her life, work and travels abroad to study and create reproductions of master paintings.
The book can be viewed here.
Because of Sr. Catharine’s work, Dominican University possesses full-scale reproductions of works by Raphael, Botticelli, del Sarto, and Crivelli.
According to University Archives, it is estimated that Sr. Catharine produced at least 70 paintings during her lifetime, but because she did not always sign her paintings, the actual number may be higher. She also created another 120 sketches and about a dozen painted ceramic pieces.
“It is hoped that spotlighting this foundational figure in Dominican history will prompt further scholarly interest and discussion of the women artists connected with Dominican University's rich artistic heritage,” Hammarlund said. These artists include Sr. Guala O'Connor, Geraldine McCullough, Sr. Joeann Daley, and Patricia Ellen Ricci, among many others.
“The celebration and visibility of Dominican University's artistic tradition uplifts up-and-coming artists currently studying at Dominican,” Hammarlund said.