Works on Paper and Photography

The collection of master drawings at the Museum initially shaped by the Crocker family’s purchase in 1869–71, focuses on the major European schools between the 16th and mid-19th centuries. Collection strengths include drawings from the Italian, Dutch and Flemish 17th century, the French 17th and 18th centuries, the German 16th, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as related prints. Californian and American prints, drawings, and watercolors from the mid-19th century to the present are also included.

The strength of the Crocker’s photography collection is its holdings of American photography since the mid-20th century. Examples represent major artistic movements ranging from surrealism to straight photography, street aesthetic, new topographies, and the conceptual. The collection has corollary strength in imagery of the American West, both historic and contemporary.

For appointments, please call William Breazeale, Curator at (916) 808-5041.