John Leech was born on August 29, 1817. He was a caricaturist, illustrating particularly for humorous magazines and satirical literature. Lithograph work and wood engraving were his specialties. Perhaps some of his most loved (and most lovable!) work is found in Charles Dickens’ first edition … Continue readingFrontispiece of A Christmas Carol by John Leech
Jacob Maris was born on August 25, 1837. He was a Dutch painter, and he is remembered for his landscapes and his portraits of the Royal House of Orange especially. Particularly striking in his work is his depiction of clouds, the way he was able … Continue readingShip on the Scheveningen Beach by Jacob Maris
Archibald Willard was born on August 22, 1836 in Bedford, Ohio. He fought in the Civil War, and he captured many of his experiences through painting. Some of his work ended up in Washington Court House in Ohio, and many were printed in newspapers and … Continue readingThe Spirit of ’76 by Archibald Willard
Le Pont de l’Europe (or The Bridge of Europe) is by Gustave Caillebotte, who was born on August 19 of 1848 in Paris. He was known as an impressionist, though his work certainly has a realist flair to it! His passion was to portray what … Continue readingLe Pont de l’Europe by Gustave Caillebotte
George Luks was born on August 13, 1867 in a coal mining region of Pennsylvania. He knew poverty as he grew up in this setting, and his first exposure to art was from his mother, who was a musician and loved to paint. His childhood … Continue readingKnitting for the Soldiers by George Luks
Thomas Bewick was born on August 12, 1753 in England. He is known as an engraver and author of natural history. Some of his most renowned works include his illustrations of Aesop’s Fables (for example, the print above) and his book, A History of British … Continue readingThe Angler and the Little Fish by Thomas Bewick
Beatrix Potter is known especially for her beloved children’s books, particularly The Tale of Peter Rabbit. What she doesn’t get as much credit for are her illustrations, of which she created many for her books.
July 25 is the birthday of Maxfield Parrish from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Featured here is his illustration, “Cadmus Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth,” from the Greek myth. Parrish was particularly known for the vibrant colors he used in his artwork, and the hue “Parrish blue” was even named … Continue readingCadmus Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Maxfield Parrish
“Joan of Arc,” by Alphonse Mucha. Mucha was originally from the Austrian Empire (now the Czech Republic) and studied in Paris. He became successful with his illustrations after producing a poster for a play featuring Sarah Bernhardt, the most famous Parisian actress at the time.
Alexander Calder of Pennsylvania was born on July 22 in 1898. He is the inventor of the mobile, a type of installation art which is widely displayed in a variety of settings–from art museums to children’s bedrooms. Like many other potential artists, he did not originally … Continue readingThe Mobile by Alexander Calder