Collections : [University of Michigan History of Art Visual Resources Collection]

The Rudolf Arnheim collection is composed of over 6,000 35mm slides used by Dr. Arnheim during the course of his research and teaching. The collection includes slides of architecture throughout Europe and North America, as well as photography and artwork, both ancient and modern, including artists such as Michelangelo, Matisse, and Edgar Degas.

The Rudolf Arnheim collection is composed of over 6,000 35 mm slides, which Dr. Arnheim used during the course of his study and teaching. Many of the slides depict art objects which are now unavailable from commercial sources and Arnheim's slides are often superior quality than reproductions made obtainable through copy photography. Arnheim's research focused on the science behind how humans experience art and the sensory world. Much of his research focused on architecture, paintings, sculpture, film, and music. The collection contains slides that capture the architecture of Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Spain, England, Scotland, Sweden, Canada, and America, among others. Slides depicting photography and sculpture, both modern and ancient, make up a significant portion of the collection, as well. The works of artists such as Michelangelo, Matisse, and Edgar Degas are also included in the collection. The Arnheim slides were re-sorted into their current boxes by Dr. Rudolf Arnheim himself.