Mathias J. Alten

The papers and paintings of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871 – 1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library’s Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. 

Photo: Detail of Picnic at Macatawba by Mathias Alten, 1904.

Browse all items in this collection A selection of digitized photographs, items in the  Mathias J. Alten Papers, and paintings in the Grand Valley Art Gallery.

Mathias J. Alten papers [PDF] A listing of the contents of the Mathias J. Alten Papers in the Grand Valley Special Collections.

Mathias J. Alten Catalogue Raisonné by James A. Straub is an external website for the Mathias J.  Alten Catalogue Raisonné of over 1,700 known authentic oil paintings and watercolors produced by Alten during a career that spanned nearly four decades.