Dean Cornwell

Key facts

Lived

1892–1960, American

Movement

• Art Deco

Works held in

2 museums

Plan your visit to see Dean Cornwell →

• What is Dean Cornwell's most famous work?+

  It is difficult to name Dean Cornwell's single most famous work. He was a prolific and well-regarded illustrator, muralist, and teacher, active in the first half of the 20th century. Cornwell created a large body of work, and his pieces vary widely in subject matter and purpose. He is perhaps best known for his murals in public buildings, such as the Los Angeles Public Library, the Eastern Airlines Building in New York City, and the Detroit People Mover stations. These murals often depict historical or allegorical scenes, executed in a grand, academic style. Cornwell also produced illustrations for books and magazines, advertisements, and posters. His work helped to define American illustration during the Golden Age. He was an influence on later artists in the field.
• What should I know about Dean Cornwell's prints?+

  When considering Dean Cornwell's prints, it is useful to understand the distinction between original prints and reproductions. An original print is conceived as a print, executed solely as a print, and is often part of a numbered edition, signed by the artist. Each print in the edition is an original, printed from a plate, stone, screen, block, or other matrix created for that purpose. Reproductions, however, are copies of artworks initially created in another medium, such as painting or watercolour, and are typically produced via photochemical means. Numbering and signing a reproduction does not transform it into an original print. The value of a print is affected by factors such as the artist's reputation, the image's popularity, and the quality of materials and printing. Limited editions, where the number of prints is restricted, often command higher prices. The number of impressions may be limited due to the plate wearing out or to increase the print's value. Some artists create artist's proofs, typically ten percent of the edition, marked with AP after the number.
• What style or movement did Dean Cornwell belong to?+

  Dean Cornwell was associated with the Art Deco style that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. This international style celebrated the machine age through architecture, design, and fine art. The name "Art Deco" derives from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. Art Deco incorporated a wide array of influences: Cubism, Futurism, the Bauhaus movement, and ancient Egyptian and Aztec art. Geometric shapes, tonal contrasts, and bold colours are typical. The style aimed to bring glamour to mass-produced objects. The style has alternative names, including Style Moderne, Jazz Moderne, and Streamline Moderne. The 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, "A Century of Progress", used Art Deco designs. The style faded from fashion during the Depression of the 1930s, but it remains admired for its glamour.
• What techniques or materials did Dean Cornwell use?+

  Dean Cornwell was an American illustrator known for his large-scale historical murals and magazine illustrations. He is associated with the Brandywine School artistic style, although he moved away from some of its precepts. Cornwell's early work was in black and white, often using pen and ink wash techniques. He later moved to oils, which allowed for greater colour and detail in his illustrations. He prepared his illustrations with careful research and detailed sketches. He often used live models in costume to achieve accuracy. Some of his preliminary studies survive, and show the development of his compositions. Cornwell developed a personal painting method that involved layering colours, building up textures, and glazing. This approach allowed him to create a sense of depth and luminosity in his work. He sometimes combined oil paint with tempera or other media to achieve specific effects. Cornwell also experimented with different surfaces, including canvas, board, and paper. His murals often involved working on a very large scale, requiring careful planning and execution.
• What was Dean Cornwell known for?+

  Dean Cornwell (1892-1960) was an American illustrator and muralist. He gained prominence for his magazine and book illustrations, as well as large-scale historical murals. Cornwell's early career involved work for advertising agencies and popular magazines, such as *Harper's Bazaar* and *Cosmopolitan*. His illustrations often featured historical or romantic themes, executed in a dramatic, realistic style. He became known for his ability to depict historical scenes with accuracy and flair, attracting a wide readership. Later in his career, Cornwell turned increasingly to mural painting. His murals can be found in public buildings across the United States, including the Los Angeles Public Library, the Eastern Airlines Building in New York, and the Warwick Hotel in New York. These murals often depicted scenes from American history or allegorical subjects. Cornwell's work in both illustration and mural painting made him a significant figure in American representational art of the 20th century. He was admired for his technical skill and his ability to create compelling visual narratives.
• When did Dean Cornwell live and work?+

  Dean Cornwell (1892-1960) was an American illustrator and muralist. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, and later with Harvey Dunn at the New York School of Art. Cornwell began his illustration career in the 1910s. He quickly gained recognition for his dramatic and historically accurate depictions. His work appeared in popular magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Redbook. He became known as the "Dean of Illustrators". In the 1930s, Cornwell expanded his practice to include mural painting. His murals can be found in prominent locations, including the Los Angeles Public Library (1932), the Eastern Airlines Building in New York City, and the Raleigh Room of the Warwick Hotel in New York. These large-scale works often depicted historical or allegorical subjects, executed in a bold, realist style. Cornwell also taught illustration at the Art Students League of New York. He influenced a generation of illustrators with his emphasis on draftsmanship, composition, and storytelling. He remained active as an illustrator and muralist until his death in 1960, leaving behind a substantial body of work.
• Where can I see Dean Cornwell's work?+

  Dean Cornwell's paintings and illustrations can be viewed in a number of public locations. Several murals are accessible to the public. In New York City, Cornwell's work is featured at the General Electric Building (formerly the RCA Building) in Rockefeller Center. These murals, commissioned in the early 1930s, depict themes of communication and progress. The Warwick Hotel, also in New York, contains Cornwell murals. Outside of New York, the Los Angeles Public Library contains a series of thirteen murals painted by Cornwell between 1930 and 1932. These illustrate the history of California. The library provides public access to view these works. Cornwell also completed murals for the Eastern Airlines Building in Rockefeller Center and for Graybar, also in New York. While many of Cornwell's illustrations were created for magazines and books, these public works offer opportunities to see his large-scale compositions and narrative skill. Access to specific works may vary, so checking opening times is recommended.
• Where was Dean Cornwell from?+

  Dean Cornwell was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on 5 March 1892. His early artistic education included study at the Art Institute of Chicago, and later with Harvey Dunn at the New York School of Art. Cornwell's career as an illustrator began in the 1920s, and he quickly became one of the most successful in the field. His work appeared in numerous magazines, such as Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan. He was also known for his advertising illustrations, creating images for companies like Palmolive, General Motors, and Coca-Cola. Beyond illustration, Cornwell also produced murals. Examples include those for the Los Angeles Public Library (1932), the Eastern Airlines Building in New York City, and the Davidson County Courthouse in Nashville, Tennessee. Cornwell's style combined academic realism with a sense of drama and romanticism, making him a popular choice for both commercial and public art commissions. He died in New York City in 1960.
• Who did Dean Cornwell influence?+

  It is difficult to say precisely who Dean Cornwell influenced. However, the American art tradition shows some patterns of influence. Early American portraitists like John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart emulated British artists. Benjamin West, a contemporary, painted American historical scenes, taking cues from French historical painters such as Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Later, Fuller and Morse showed influences from the Munich school or the British. These influences are also present in the work of Thomas Eakins, Frank Duveneck, and William Merritt Chase. Winslow Homer, who came from illustration, was influenced by Eakins, while George Bellows is considered a successor of Chase. Albert Pinkham Ryder's work incorporates Florentine, Pre-Raphaelite, and Blake-like elements. These artists collectively form an American tradition.
• Who did dean cornwell study under?+

  Dean Cornwell studied under Harvey Dunn at the Art Students League. He also spent three years studying under Frank Brangwyn in England.
• Who influenced Dean Cornwell?+

  American painters often looked to Europe for inspiration. Early portraitists John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart emulated their British contemporaries. Benjamin West painted American historical scenes in a style similar to French historical painters Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres; this influence may have been mediated through British artists working in that style. Later, Fuller and Morse showed influences from the Munich school, as well as from Britain. Thomas Eakins, Frank Duveneck, and William Merritt Chase also reflect these influences. Winslow Homer, who began as an illustrator, was influenced by Eakins. George Bellows is considered a descendent of Chase. Albert Pinkham Ryder's work shows a mixture of Florentine, Pre-Raphaelite, and Blake-like elements. These artists, despite their varied influences, form an American tradition.
• Who was Dean Cornwell?+

  Dean Cornwell (1892-1960) was an American illustrator and muralist. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. Later, he studied with Harvey Dunn at the Wilmington, Delaware campus of the Howard Pyle School of Art. Cornwell began his illustration career in the 1910s. He quickly became a successful magazine illustrator, producing work for publications such as *Harper's Bazaar*, *Cosmopolitan*, and *Good Housekeeping*. His style, influenced by Pyle, featured dramatic compositions and historical accuracy. He was known for his ability to depict historical scenes and events with great detail. In the 1930s, Cornwell expanded his practice to include mural painting. His murals can be found in public buildings across the United States, including the Los Angeles Public Library, the Eastern Airlines Building in New York City, and the Warwick Hotel in New York. These large-scale works often depicted scenes from American history or allegorical subjects. Cornwell also taught illustration at the Art Students League of New York. He was a member of the Society of Illustrators, and he received numerous awards for his work during his career.