Object Timeline

1952

  • Work on this object began.

1982

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2021

2025

  • You found it!

Drawing, Study 98, Initials in the Spirit of Illuminated Manuscripts, General Foods Theme

This is a Drawing. It was designed by John De Cesare. It is dated October 28, 1952 and we acquired it in 1982. Its medium is color pencil, graphite on cream wove paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This study incorporating the General Foods initials is one of the artist's earliest attempts to relate art and music. Using the "chart themes" from the Annual Report as the basis for the design, he drew them in different "keys," in order, as he described it, to "convey the feeling of the techniques used in musical compositions."

This object was donated by Estate of John De Cesare. It is credited Gift of the Estate of John De Cesare.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 61.1 × 45.7 cm (24 1/16 in. × 18 in.)

It is inscribed

Inscribed in graphite, lower right: John De Cesare (10-28-52) Study #98

Cite this object as

Drawing, Study 98, Initials in the Spirit of Illuminated Manuscripts, General Foods Theme; Designed by John De Cesare (American, b. Italy, 1890–1972); USA; color pencil, graphite on cream wove paper; H x W: 61.1 × 45.7 cm (24 1/16 in. × 18 in.); Gift of the Estate of John De Cesare; 1982-25-30

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18799707/ |title=Drawing, Study 98, Initials in the Spirit of Illuminated Manuscripts, General Foods Theme |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=4 April 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>