Scope and Content Note
The papers of Bela Lyon Pratt (1867-1917) span the years 1884-1918 and include correspondence, clippings, and a photograph. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence from Pratt to his mother, Sarah Whittlesey Pratt. The correspondence addresses family and business concerns, including his years at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts in Paris and his work as an instructor for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The correspondence covers specific artworks, including the spandrels Science, Literature, Arts, and Philosophy for the Library of Congress, the Indian Head quarter eagle and half eagle coins, and the sculptures Art and Science for the Boston Public Library. The collection also contains small sketches of works in progress and a photograph of the granite spandrel Science for the entrance of the Library of Congress.