A prominent art critic who championed American art and artists, playing a significant role in shaping the country's art scene in the early 20th century.
Royal Cortissoz, a stalwart defender of traditionalism, spent nearly six decades as the art critic for the New York Herald Tribune, championing the cause of classical art forms and vociferously decrying the rise of modernism. His influential writings not only reflected his own aesthetic tastes but also helped shape the country's cultural narrative.
Born on February 10, 1869, in Brooklyn, New York, Cortissoz was the son of Francisco Emmanuel Cortissoz, an Englishman of Spanish descent, and Julia da Costa Mauri, from Martinique. He began his career as an architect, working at the prestigious firm of McKim, Mead, and White, before joining the staff of the Commercial Advertiser. In 1891, he joined the New York Tribune, where he would eventually become the art editor.
Cortissoz's role as an art critic was not simply to review exhibitions but to foster an appreciation of art in the common man. He believed that art was central to society's wellbeing and wrote extensively on various forms, including jewelry, rare book designs, architecture, furniture, and interior design. His philosophy was rooted in the idea that art should be beautiful, dignified, and uplifting, rather than challenging or provocative.
One of Cortissoz's most enduring contributions is the inscription he wrote for the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.: "In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." This iconic phrase has become an integral part of American cultural heritage.
Cortissoz was also a prolific writer, producing numerous articles, essays, and books on art and culture. His writings not only reflected his own aesthetic tastes but also helped shape the country's cultural narrative, influencing generations of artists, critics, and art enthusiasts.
Cortissoz was a vocal critic of modernism, which he saw as a faddish and superficial movement. In one of his most famous quotes, he wrote, "It will someday prove a kind of Victorian dud, with a difference, obviously, but a dud just the same." This critique not only reflected his own aesthetic tastes but also sparked a wider debate about the role of art in society.
Cortissoz's life was not without its challenges. He suffered from anxiety and psychosomatic ailments, which he attributed to the pressures of his job. Despite these challenges, he remained a stalwart defender of traditionalism, continuing to write and influence until his death on October 17, 1948.
Today, Cortissoz's legacy as an art critic and cultural commentator remains unparalleled. His contributions to American cultural heritage are a testament to his tireless advocacy for classical art forms and his unwavering commitment to promoting beauty, dignity, and upliftment through art.
Born in 1856
A renowned portrait painter, capturing the essence of high society with his stunning watercolors and oils, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
Born in 1836
A renowned artist capturing American life and landscapes through his evocative paintings and illustrations, particularly focusing on the Civil War and coastal scenes.
Born in 1844
A pioneering American artist who explored the human form through realistic and psychologically complex works, capturing the spirit of his subjects with unflinching honesty.
Born in 1844
An American Impressionist painter and educator, she created intimate, tender portraits of women and children, capturing the quiet beauty of everyday life. Her artwork often explored the complexities of motherhood and femininity.
Born in 1859
An American Impressionist painter and illustrator, known for capturing the essence of urban life and landscapes, particularly in his iconic flag-themed works.
Born in 1835
A pioneering artist who explored new techniques in stained glass and painting, creating vibrant, dreamlike works that blended Eastern and Western styles.
Born in 1874
Founded the Museum of Modern Art, revolutionizing modern art appreciation and accessibility. Known for her pioneering efforts in promoting contemporary art and artists.
Born in 1843
A renowned literary mastermind, celebrated for crafting psychologically complex, atmospheric novels and short stories that probed the human condition, often exploring the intricacies of the American and European aristocracy.
