Spanning 1914 to 1970, the Abraham Harriton Papers comprises correspondence, artwork and memorabilia of the Rumanian-born American Jewish painter. Documenting his professional life, the collection not only illuminates Harriton's growth and development as an artist, but also reflects his political orientation amidst the turbulence of the depression.

Arranged alphabetically, the Correspondence-Subject Files include both incoming and outgoing letters and other material relating to individuals as well as organizations. Correspondents include fellow artists (Isabel Bishop, Sidney Dickinson, Philip Evergood, Marie Zoe Greene, Hans Hofmann, Leon Kroll, Ross Moffett, Katherine Nash, Raphael Soyer, Harwood Steiger, Abraham Walkowitz, Max Weber); art critics and authors (Bernard Berenson, A.L. Chanin, Howard Devree, Edward Alden Jewell, Peter Neagoe, Harry Salpeter); and patrons (Edith Halpert, Joseph H. Hirshhorn, Alexander Z. Kruse, A. Philip McMahon, Henry I. Riker, Ralph E. Samuel). Organizational correspondence encompasses gallery affiliations (ACA Gallery, Anderson Galleries, Garelick's Gallery); museums (Art Institute of Chicago, Carnegie Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Academy of Design, Whitney Museum of American Art); and professional organizations (An American Group, Audubon Artists, National Institute of Arts and Letters, National Society of Painters in Casein, Inc., Provincetown Art Association).

Artwork includes a single original watercolor sketch and reproductions, both printed and photographic, of Harriton's paintings. In addition, two scrapbooks containing reproductions of Harriton's work, writings, clippings about the artist, and a pencil sketch may also be found among these materials. Arranged by subject, Writings encompass both Harriton's artistic philosophy and painting technique.

Photographs and printed material, including clippings (1914-1964) and exhibition catalogs, invitations and announcements (1915-1968) constitute Memorabilia.