New York University Archives Collection of NYU Presidential Portraits
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
From 1831-2023, 16 men have acted as the Chancellor or President of New York University. The New York University Archives Collection of NYU Presidential Portraits consists of portraits representing people who have held this title.
Historical Note
From 1831-2023, 16 men have acted as the Chancellor or President of New York University. Beginning in 1831, the top-ranking office was titled Chancellor. In 1956, the Office of the President was created as the chief administrative post.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged chronologically by presidential term.
Scope and Contents
The New York University Archives Collection of NYU Presidential Portraits (dated circa 1831-2023) consists of 16 portraits representing people who have held the title of Chancellor or President of NYU.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
Donors
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Any rights (including copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy) are maintained by New York University. Permission to publish or reproduce materials in this collection must be secured from the University Archives. Please contact New York University Archives, special.collections@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; New York University Archives Collection of NYU Presidential Portraits; MC 376; box number; folder number or item identifier; New York University Archives, New York University.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Many of the portraits were commissioned by the University; they were stored and displayed in various locations across campus, most recently in the Mamdouha S. Bobst Gallery in Bobst Library. They were transferred to the NYU Archives in February 2023. The accession number associated with this transfer is 2023.009.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Originals are not available due to fragility and exhibition; use photographed copies.
Accruals
Further accurals to this collection are expected.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Portraits were inspected by conservators in the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department in 2022. The portraits of Brademas, Oliva, and Sexton were surface cleaned and the frames were adjusted or repaired, and glazing was added by Bark Frameworks in 2022.
Repository
View Inventory
James M. Mathews, circa early 1800s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Cephas Giovanni Thompson sometime in the early 19th century.
Biographical / Historical
James M. Mathews was the first Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1831-1839.
Theodore Frelinghuysen, circa early 1800s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
The painter of this portrait is unknown.
Biographical / Historical
Theodore Frelinghuysen was the second Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1839-1850.
Isaac Ferris, 1861
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Daniel Huntington in 1861.
Biographical / Historical
Isaac Ferris was the third Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1853-1870.
Howard Crosby, circa late 1800s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
The painter of this portrait is unknown.
Biographical / Historical
Howard Crosby was the fourth Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1870-1881.
John Hall, 1893
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Allan Jasper Conant in 1893.
Biographical / Historical
John Hall was the fifth Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1881-1891.
Henry Mitchell MacCracken, 1894
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Alfred M. Turner in 1894.
Biographical / Historical
Henry Mitchell MacCracken was the sixth Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1891-1910. His son, John Henry MacCracken, filled in for part of a year before Brown took over the office.
Elmer Ellsworth Brown, early 1900s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by George R. Boynton in the early 20th century.
Biographical / Historical
Elmer Ellsworth Brown was the seventh Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1911-1933.
Harry Woodburn Chase, 1948
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by DeWitt M. Lockman in 1948.
Biographical / Historical
Harry Woodburn Chase was the eighth Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1933-1951.
Henry Townley Heald, 1962
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Erik Haupt in 1962.
Biographical / Historical
Henry Townley Heald was the ninth Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1952-1956.
Carroll Vincent Newsom, 1962
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Erik Haupt in 1962.
Biographical / Historical
Carroll Vincent Newsom was the 10th Chancellor of NYU, serving from 1956-1962.
James McNaughton Hester, 1975
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Aaron Shikler in 1975.
Biographical / Historical
James McNaughton Hester was the 11th President of NYU, serving from 1962-1975. He was the first chief administrator at NYU to be called President.
John C. Sawhill, 1986
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Everett Ray Kinstler in 1986.
Biographical / Historical
John C. Sawhill was the 12th President of NYU, serving from 1975-1980.
John Brademas, 1992
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Hernán Cortés Moreno in 1992.
Biographical / Historical
John Brademas was the 13th President of NYU, serving from 1981-1991.
L. Jay Oliva, 2002
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by John Howard Sanden in 2002.
Biographical / Historical
L. Jay Oliva was the 14th President of NYU, serving from 1991-2002.
John Sexton, 2015
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Daniel Mark Duffy in 2015.
Biographical / Historical
John Sexton was the 15th President of NYU, serving from 2003-2015.
Andrew D. Hamilton, 2023
Scope and Contents
This portrait was painted by Jamie Lee McMahan in 2023.
Biographical / Historical
Andrew D. Hamilton was the 16th President of NYU, serving from 2016-2023.