Boardman Robinson Paintings

Boardman Robinson was an influential Canadian-American artist, illustrator, and teacher known for his powerful political cartoons and murals. Born on September 6, 1876, in Nova Scotia, Canada, he moved to the United States as a young man. Robinson studied art in Boston and later at the National Academy of Design in New York, and also spent a significant period in Paris at the Académie Colarossi, furthering his art education.

Robinson's early career was marked by his work as an illustrator and graphic artist for newspapers and magazines, where he developed a reputation for his striking and often biting political cartoons. He had a keen eye for social issues and was deeply affected by the events of World War I, which influenced much of his work. Robinson's illustrations often appeared in publications such as the New York Tribune and The Masses, a leftist magazine where his work aligned with his pacifist and anti-war beliefs.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Robinson's style evolved, and he became more involved in creating murals, which were part of the larger American mural renaissance of the time. His murals can be found in various public buildings, including the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He was also a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency that provided jobs for many artists during the Great Depression.

In addition to his work as an artist, Robinson was a respected teacher. He taught at the Art Students League in New York and later became the head of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center School. His teachings influenced a generation of American artists, and his emphasis on social relevance in art remained a significant aspect of his legacy.

Robinson passed away on September 5, 1952, in Stamford, Connecticut, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its strong commentary on social and political issues. His art remains relevant, reflecting the power of visual media to address the complexities of the human condition and societal challenges.