Inside Sandzen Summer 07

INSIDE SANDZÉN
This feature, highlighting a discovery relating to Sandzén from the archives, will be periodically updated on the website and is planned for each issue of Gallery Notes.

SANDZÉN IN PARIS, 1894

In three letters written from Paris in February through May 1894, to Dr. Carl A. Swensson, President of Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, Birger Sandzén applied for a position at Bethany College and responded to requests by President Swensson for more information.

In his letter of May 7, 1894, Sandzén answers questions concerning his knowledge of languages, including English. His response about his English gives specific details concerning his life in Paris and his ideas about America. This translation was prepared during research by Dr. Emory K. Lindquist for his book Birger Sandzén: An Illustrated Biography (2nd printing, 2006).

Regarding English, I have the ordinary school studies and some experience in translating and understanding what is being said, because I know some Americans here that I spend a lot of time with. Sometimes I have to try my English when I am unable to get my American friends to understand me in French. They don't usually take trouble with French for the simple reason that they find it unnecessary, as in most cases one can do with English even here in Paris.

I have made many acquaintances among the Americans, especially during the last few weeks. They have their club a few minutes from where I am staying. I have often had the pleasure of visiting "la société américaine." Everything at the club is practical, which is to be expected as it is American. They have a small exhibition salon (where the members have little exhibitions once in a while), a newspaper room and library, a small restaurant where one can eat well and cheaply, a salon with a piano and even a garden. Everything is arranged in such a way that both the well-to-do American and the poor art student feel welcome. There are many honest, decent and capable people among the young Americans that I know here.--But I have strayed from the subject.--

In his penultimate paragraph Sandzén sums up his hope as well as his willingness, within limits, to accept what is possible:

If my employment with you, should I be honored by working with you, could be focused mainly in the artistic field, it would be good, but I am, of course, willing to throw myself into any field with enthusiasm where I have sufficient chance of being of use, as long as I have some time to spend on my art.

At last, in mid-July, with Sandzén at home in Sweden after four months in Paris, a Bethany position was offered to him, basically in languages, and by September 5, 1894, Birger Sandzén had arrived in Lindsborg, to begin the rest of his life in Kansas.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A complete review entitled "Sandzén in Paris--Prelude to America, 1894" is available in "Inside Sandzén" in the Summer 2007 issue of Gallery Notes, distributed to all members of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery.