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of art by this artist.
Paul Cornoyer Biography
Paul Cornoyer was an American painter, born on August 15, 1864, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Charles and Marie Cornoyer, both of French descent. His early education in art began at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts in 1881, where he initially embraced the Barbizon style of painting, a movement that emphasized tonal qualities, atmosphere, and the harmonious nature of the landscape. This early influence would lay the groundwork for his evolving style, which later incorporated elements of Impressionism, Tonalism, and occasionally Pointillism.
Cornoyer's artistic journey took a significant turn in 1889 when he moved to Paris, a city that was at the heart of the art world during that period. In Paris, he studied at the prestigious Académie Julian under the tutelage of Jules Lefebvre and Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant. This experience not only exposed him to new artistic influences but also allowed him to immerse himself in the vibrant cultural and artistic life of Paris. During his time in Europe, Cornoyer began to develop his unique style, blending the Barbizon influence with the emerging techniques of Impressionism and Tonalism.
After returning to the United States in 1894, Cornoyer's work began to reflect a deeper exploration of Tonalism, a style characterized by its emphasis on atmosphere and mood. This shift was partly influenced by his interactions with William Merritt Chase, a prominent American artist who encouraged Cornoyer to move to New York City in 1899. New York provided Cornoyer with a new and dynamic urban landscape to explore. His paintings from this period, such as his depictions of Washington Square Park after a snowstorm, showcase his ability to capture the atmospheric effects of light and weather, imbuing his urban scenes with a sense of mood and emotion.
Cornoyer's contributions to the art world were recognized in 1908 when the Albright–Knox Art Gallery (formerly the Albright Gallery) hosted a show of his work. A year later, in 1909, he was elected into the National Academy of Design as an Associate Academician, a testament to his growing reputation and influence in the American art scene. Throughout his career, Cornoyer also dedicated himself to teaching, sharing his knowledge and skills with students at the Mechanics Institute of New York and later in Massachusetts, where he moved in 1917.
Cornoyer's work continued to evolve, and he remained active in the art community until his death on June 17, 1923. His legacy was celebrated posthumously in a retrospective exhibition entitled "Paul Cornoyer: American Impressionist" at the Lakeview Center for the Arts and Sciences in Peoria, Illinois, in 1973. The exhibition drew heavily from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ashby, showcasing over 20 works on paper and multiple paintings, highlighting Cornoyer's significant contributions to American Impressionism and Tonalism.
Today, Paul Cornoyer is remembered for his elegant and atmospheric paintings of turn-of-the-century New York, as well as his landscapes and urban scenes that capture the transient effects of light and weather. His work continues to be appreciated for its technical skill, emotional depth, and its unique blend of American and European artistic influences. Through his paintings, Cornoyer invites viewers to experience the beauty and complexity of the world around them, making his work enduringly relevant and admired.
Paul Cornoyer Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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