The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

           

            Creator:         Lobejager, William, circa 1837-        

Title:               Interior Design Drawings      

Dates:             ca.1880-1889

Call No.:         Col. 158         

Acc. No.:        69x161

Quantity:        48 items (1 box)

Location:        3 L 6

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Some of the designs were signed by William Lobejager.  Not all New York City directories were searched, but he was found listed as a painter in 1872 and 1888 directories.  William was also listed in the 1870 census as being about 30 years old, born in Germany, married to Louise, with children, with his occupation as painter.  In the 1880 census, his age was given as 43, and he was married to Anna, age 32.  Sometimes his surname was spelled Lobejaeger.  A man named Wilhelm Lobejager died in Grant City, Staten Island, on Aug. 19, 1897.  (The 1872 directory also listed painter John Lobejager, and the 1888 directory listed painter Francis Lobejager; it is not known if they were related to William.)

 

Charles Max Lobejager was listed as a draftsman in early 20th century New York City directories, living in New York or in Brooklyn.  In the 1900 census, he was listed as an architect’s clerk; he was living on East 82d Street with his mother Anna, sister Alma (as seamstress), and brother Richard (a carpenter’s assistant).  In the 1910 census, he was listed as an architect, age 34 (born 1876), born in Germany, living in Queens with his mother Anna (born 1848) and younger brother Richard J. (a butcher, age 25).  When he registered for the draft during World War I, he listed his employer as the Board of Education of the City of New York, and his occupation as architectural draftsman.  His address at that time was Corona, New York, and his nearest relative was his sister Alma Minde, also of Corona.  In the 1930 census, he was single, living in Queens, and listed his occupation as architect.  A man of the same name died in Hudson, N.Y., in 1960, but he seems to have been a retired fireman, and it is not known if he were the same person.

 

It appears that Charles Max was the son of William Lobejager, although more definitive family research needs to be done.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

 Consists of 46 wash color paintings and pencil sketches of interior ceilings and walls.  The designs are highly ornate, depicting fancy borders and bands with abstract, geometric, and flower patterns surrounding a central field.  Many of the rectangular fields have medallions in the center.  A few of the designs depict landscapes and several are marked by an Oriental influence.  Pencil sketches are of border patterns and most are incomplete.   One design (.46) is for a religious building, probably a church (it includes crosses and intertwined Alpha and Omega letters); this is marked with the name of I. [or J.] Schoenberg & Co., 107 E. 8th St., New York City.  Several of the drawings are signed W. Lobejager, and this is presumed to be the painter William Lobejager.  The collection also includes a drawing by Charles M. Lobejager of the exterior of a city residence.  It is not clear whether all of the items are part of a firm's portfolio.  Also includes the portfolio which held the drawings.

 

 

ORGANIZATION

 

The drawings are arranged in accession number order.        

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

 

 

PROVENANCE

           

Purchased from Timothy Trace.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Lobejager, Charles M. (Charles Max), 1876-

 

Topics:

I Schoenberg & Co.

Church buildings – Designs and plans.

Interior architecture.

Interior decoration.

            Decoration and ornament - New York (State) - New York.

            Decoration and ornament - Oriental influences.

            Interior walls.

            Ceilings.

            Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)

            Medallions (Decorative arts)

            Arts and crafts movement.

            Drawings

            Sketches.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 3 L 6

 

 

All accession numbers begin with 69x161.

 

 

Folder 1:

 

.1         Painted ceiling.

                        The design includes a central circle for a chandelier.  Oriental influence is demonstrated through flowering trees, birds in flight, fans, and cobwebs among the trees.  Colors used were turquoise, mauve, light blue, and beige.  Only two-thirds of the design was completed in this drawing.

 

.2         Painted ceiling corner or wall panel, design no. 9, with a variety of borders and molding.

                        The design is geometric with swags of stylized leaves and flowers.  Colors used were brown, yellow, mauve, lavender, light blue, purple, pink, and green.           

 

.3         Painted ceiling corner with five borders and molding.

                        The design consists of a Rococo flower garland, stripes, and a large space decorated with bouquets of flowers and having a central medallion.  Colors used were light blue, pink, yellow, and green.

 

.4         Painted wall decorations.

                        The left-side of the drawing depicts an arched door, above which is a decorated arched transom in the French Rococo style.  The middle and right-side of the drawing depicts arched panels with heavy molding.  Between the panels there is a narrow line of molding.  A decorative cornice is illustrated at the top.  There are stylized carved leaves in the transom and arches.  Colors used for the borders were pink, purple, green, red, gold, and silver.

 

.5         Painted ceiling corner, no. 6, with three borders (one with a band of Rococo swirls, and another a band with a Greek key motif) and striped molding.

                        The center field is peach with an abstract design of dots and squiggles.  A central medallion is included.  Colors used were shades of brown, gold, blue, peach, green.  The drawing has "No. 6" and what might be a name written at the bottom.

 

.6         Painted wall.

                        The bottom of the wall is a solid color with a decorative border of stylized flowers across the top.  The upper part of the wall also includes a stylized floral border.  Colors used were mauve, lavender, yellow, and light blue.

 

.7         Scale, drawn in ink, in one corner of the page.

            (Most of the page is blank)

 

 

Folder 2:

 

.8         Painted and gilt wall panel (possibly ceiling)

                        The top of the design shows a highly decorated cornice with dentil molding, geometric designs, and medallions.  Underneath the cornice is a rectangular plane with a central square flanked by three ornate bands on each side.  The square is designed with a lattice pattern and a central medallion, while the bands are of swirls, stylized flowers, and geometric shapes.  Colors used were green, turquoise, blue, red, and gold.

 

.9         Painted ceiling corner for a library.

                        Design has small outer border of stripes, followed by the larger border decorated with a geometric floral design broken up by panels of nature scenes with flowers and butterflies. The next border is irregular in shape, with a lattice design, plants, medallions, and books.  The center of the ceiling is a field with pink stripes and a central medallion.  The drawing is labeled Library. Colors used were olive, light blue, pink, gold, blue, and mauve.

           

.10       Painted ceiling corner.

                        The design consists of a blue border around a gray field with a black, gold, and red interior floral border.  The outer border contains an abstract design.  The main body of the ceiling is not a solid color, but a tone-on-tone feather-like pattern.

                        Initials on the reverse: H G P and L I

 

.11       Painted ceiling.

                        Design consists of a thick gold molding surrounding a narrow maroon border.  The main field is muted olive with bouquets of pink and purple flowers strewn over it.

 

.12       Painted ceiling corner.

                        Design consists of four borders around a field with geometric designs, vines of flowers, bamboo shoots, and a variation of Greek key.  The field contains subtle lattice work with vines from the border to a center medallion.  The design shows Oriental influence.  Colors used were green, pink, light blue, beige, and gold.

                        On reverse: the number 10.

 

.13       Painted ceiling corner.

                        The corner consists of an irregular border filled with scrolls of leaves and flowers, medallions, and gold rectangles. The center field is painted like the sky, with a cupid figure carrying a ribbon and flowers. Colors used were pink, light blue, and gold.

                        On reverse: a pencil sketch of the head of a young boy.

 

 

Folder 3:

 

.14       Painted ceiling corner.

                        The design contains three borders, each with a different organic, Aesthetic movement design.  Also included are small medallions with birds.  The field depicts vines and flowers coming out of geometric vases, and has a central medallion. Colors used were brown, mauve, beige, gold, yellow, orange, blue, and green.

 

[.15      Painted ceiling – in folder 7 – see description there]

 

.16       Print of ceiling corner.

                        A printed design (not painted), possibly a copy of a Renaissance ceiling.  The design consists of circles and rectangles around a large center circle. Design elements include putti, musical instruments, and scrolls using classical motifs. Colors used were green, gold, and beige with splashes of red and blue.

 

.17       Painted ceiling.

                        A rectangular shape with a wide border made of different elements, including a branch with fruits, an owl, and butterflies, and two landscape paintings.  The central field has a decorated medallion in the center, with stylized floral arrangements around the edges. Colors used were gray, pink, lavender, silver, cream, and green.

                        "4th front without landscapes," written at the bottom in pencil.

                        On reverse: the number 8.

 

.18       Painted ceiling, no. 1.

Design consists of rectangle with cut corners that has four bands around a central field. Three of the bands have an abstract pattern and one has stylized vines of flowers. There are also shells and seaweed on tables in spaces at the corner. The central field contains vines of leaves and flowers, rose garlands, a gold urn, and a medallion in the center.  Colors used were pink, light green, lavender, and blue.

                        The name W. Lobejager appears under one of the shell drawings (see also .35 and .41).

 

.19       Painted square ceiling.

                        The square is surrounded by an ornate sculptural border.  A quatrefoil outlined in paint with a gold center is located within the square and surrounded by another ornate sculptural decoration.  There is an oval painting of fruit in each corner.  The center contains a sculptural medallion encircled by a garland of flowers.  There is gold lattice work around the corners.  Colors used were blue, gold, red, pink, orange, white, and olive green.

 

 

Folder 4:

 

.20       Painted ceiling.

                        Consists of a partial design of a rectangle and a central circle.  The circle is outlined in plaster with Florentine flowers and a sculptural design around its edge.  At each side (only one side shown) there are sculptural ovals with a design of flowers and sculptures.  The corners contain paintings of fruit in ovals.  Colors used were pink, white, olive green, and blue.

                        At top of design: 71 M.

 

.21       Print of a landscape.

                        View of mountains, with a boat in a lake in the middle ground.  There are trees and rocks at the left and a men walking on a path.  Colors used were pink, green, and lavender. 

                        "Published by Edm. Foerster of New York," stamped at the bottom.

           

.22       Door and wall design.

                        The left side shows double doors that are rounded at the top, surmounted by elaborate plasterwork or wood carving. The center has a narrow vertical band on a panel, while the right has a large square panel, also surrounded by plasterwork or wood carving. The sections are separated by pilasters. The panels are highlighted by painted garlands and flowers.  Colors used were red, gold, green, and blue.

                        Initials on back: P H

 

.23       Door and wall design.

                        Shows two doors with rounded lintels flanking a panel on the wall.  There is a heavy cornice at the top of each door and above the wall panel.  Crown molding is also depicted.  Colors used were creme, tan, and red.

                        In pencil on reverse: as is unfinished P- A

 

.24       Painted ceiling, no. 12.

                        Corner view showing wide wood molding followed by an abstract band of leaves and flowers around the perimeter.  The field contains a greenish yellow design with gold lattice work over it.  Colors used were green, brown, yellow, and orange.

                        On reverse: 5 7 [or 5 F] and D R.

 

.25       Square design.

                        The square is surrounded by marble and then a band of stylized vines and flowers.  The center field is divided into four squares, each with flowers, birds, and butterflies.  Colors used were brown marble, blue, gold, mauve, green, and orange.

 

.26       Pencil drawing (unfinished).

                        Drawing is of two rectangular panels with vines of leaves and flowers.

 

.27       Painted wall.

                        Design consists of three panels with arches (central panel is wider than the two side panels) that have scrolling leaves around the edges.  There are geometric designs at the cornice.  Colors used were pink, lavender, blue, and green.

                        on reverse: rough diagram, in pencil

 

.28       Pencil drawing (unfinished).

                        Drawing is of a panel with an array of garlands, flowers, urns, and ribbons.

 

.29       Painted ceiling.

                        Corner view of a border with stylized vines surrounding a central field with geometric shapes that are outlined in silver.  The central field also has an abstract design with gold highlights.  The central medallion is gold with vines.  Colors used were green, burgundy, gold, and silver.

 

 

Folder 5:

 

.30       Painted design.

                        Design shows a band of ribbon then a band of stripes with sculptural details and paintings of flowers at the corners.  There is a central medallion.  Colors used were pink, blue, and yellow.

 

.31       Painted ceiling.

                        Corner view, showing wide molding and then a band of geometric garland and a central field containing abstract splashes of color.  Colors used were green, rust, pink, gold, and silver.

                        On reverse: number 4, and initials P N [or H] G[?]

 

.32       Pencil sketch, (unfinished).

                        Drawing is of a pattern of leaves, scrolls, and flowers.

                        On reverse: outline of a house, showing placement of rooms and windows

 

.33       Pencil sketch of a ceiling.

                        Corner view of a highly ornate, intricate design, with lots of scrolls and swirls.

                        At bottom: initial W

 

.34       Painted design.

                        Design consists of four bands of different designs, including egg and dart molding and different patterns of scrolls, surrounding a central field.  There is a square in the corner containing masks, drums, and a baton. The center field has a central medallion with a large urn on either side. Leaves, masks, and flowers extending from the urn meet in the middle. There is an outline of a bat with its wings spread in the background.  Colors used were blue, green, pink, gold, and brown.

                        On reverse: number 2

 

.35       Painted ceiling, W. Lobejager, no. 8.

                        Corner view shows a striped band followed by a paneled band of geometric shapes, leaves, and stylized flowers.  The central field is outlined with vines of leaves.  Colors used were red, pink, gray, gold, and green.

                        at the bottom: W. Lobejager, No. 8  [see also .18 and .41]

 

.36       Painted ceiling.

                        Corner view of wide molding followed by a band of scrolls with a seashell, leaves, and flowers at the corners.  The central field is plain with the exception of a medallion in the center.  Colors used were mauve, cream, pink, green, and lavender.

                        On reverse: the number 15; some diagrams, including diagrams of what might be molding; the numbers 18 and 20, with a symbol between them; the number 20 F, and the initials C PH-PA [or U]

 

.37       Print from Deutsches Maler-Journal, Verlag v.W. Spemann, Stuttgart, 9. Band, Tafel 9.

            Two designs are shown.

                        At the top of the print is an ornate design of a central square with flowers and putti, surrounded by smaller squares with wreaths of flowers inside of them. The squares are separated by bands with stylized flowers. The bottom of the print shows a central circle with clouds and a border of rose garlands. There are cartouches with patterns in the corners.

                        at the bottom: "Plafonds Mit Pausen No. 594-599, 602, 604, 604, Paul Rammerer, entr., Lith, Unst v. M. Seeger, Stuttgart,"

 

.38       Painted landscape, perhaps a design for a border

                        The design depicts branches of flowering trees, with swallows flitting about.  Colors used were gold, silver, blue, and copper.

 

.39       Painted ceiling.

                        Designs consists of a striped band, then a band with scrolls of leaves and flowers surrounding a field.  A band with stripes cuts across the entire painting dividing the field into two parts.  One side has Oriental flowers, ferns, birds, and Cupid shooting an arrow.  The other side has urns, stylized flowers, vines, and a central medallion that resembles the sun.  Colors used were gray, pink, green, and lavender.

                        On reverse: initials H U G

 

 

Folder 6:

 

.40       Painted ceiling.

                        Corner view of a plain band followed by a band with boxes of diamonds and vines.  The perimeter of the field has stylized birds and flowers with a fan in each corner.  The field design is of flowers, leaves, and twisted garland.  The central medallion design is also of stylized birds and flowers. 

                        written at the bottom: "DM Special Design,"

                        on reverse: the number 7

 

.41       Painted band, perhaps a border.

                        The band has a bamboo pattern with acanthus leaves and scrolls going across it.  At the right there is a cupid sitting in a bed of roses and vines.

                        Drawing is signed W. Lobejager.  [see also .18 and .35]

                        On reverse: initials U P H.

 

.42       Pencil sketch (unfinished).

                        Pattern of leaves and scrolls.

                        On reverse: #6 P

 

.43       Pencil sketch (unfinished).

                        Pattern with ornate lattice work and stylized flowers at the top and a band of vines with a bar at the bottom.  A note "bar must be in center" is included.

                        On reverse: initials G H O.

 

.44       Pencil sketch (unfinished).

                        Corner design of a band of classical figures telling a narrative.  There are scrolls of leaves at the corner.  The central field has scrolls of vines and flowers.

 

.45       Painted ceiling, no. 2.

                        Corner view showing plain band and a circle with an urn.  That design grows into a central field with garlands of flowers and leaves.  The central medallion is encircled by rose garland.  Colors used were turquoise, pink, cream, and green.

                        On reverse: the number 14; 12 [some initial]; and initials U P G

 

.46       Painted wall, with stained glass windows, for a religious building.

                        Design is flanked by two tall columns.  In between these columns are two tiers of smaller columns.  The lower tier of columns divides the wall into sections, which appear to be covered with a brocade fabric. The top tier of columns separate a row of five arched windows topped with elaborate decorations, including a cross.  In the upper spandrels are found the initials IHS and intertwined Alpha and Omega.  Colors used were red, blue, turquoise, gold, and pink.

                        Signed, "I. [or J.] Schönberg & Co., 107 E. 8 St, New York."

                        On reverse: initials U P G.

 

.47       “Front elevation, Design for a city residence”

                        Façade for an elegant five story house, signed by Chas. M. Lobejager.

                        At bottom: “passed OK, W,” and the initial R

                        On reverse: initials A U H

 

 

Folder 7:

 

.15       Painted ceiling. [now mounted on archival board]

                        The design contains wide molding and a circle in each corner, with a central medallion in a rectangle.  Panels between the circles have borders and the central rectangle has a border.  All the designs are abstract and geometrical.  The colors used were turquoise, gold, pink, blue, and green.

                        On reverse: number 5

 

 

Folder 8:

 

.48       portfolio which contained the items; bears a label for Wm. Boyrer's Music and Paper file, patented June 21st, 1870, New York City, by Wm Boyrer & Co.

                        Boards are covered with decorative paper, cloth spine.  Designed to hold music.