Howard McCormick was an American artist and illustrator born on February 10, 1875, in Defiance, Ohio. He was known for his strong, dynamic illustrations and etchings, which often depicted historical and dramatic scenes. McCormick's work was characterized by a bold use of line and a flair for capturing movement and energy in his subjects.
Educated at the Art Students League of New York and later in Paris at the Académie Julian, McCormick was influenced by the prevailing styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Art Nouveau and Symbolism. He developed his skills under the tutelage of renowned artists such as Henri Royer and James Whistler, which helped him to refine his technique and artistic vision.
Throughout his career, Howard McCormick took on various projects, including book illustrations, magazine covers, and murals. He was particularly noted for his work on illustrations for books about Native American life and culture, which were praised for their accuracy and sensitivity to the subject matter. His illustrations appeared in popular periodicals of the time, such as Harper's Magazine and Century Magazine.
McCormick was also known for his work related to theater and performance. He designed sets and costumes for several productions and had a keen interest in the pageantry of the theater, which often translated into his visual art.
Despite his accomplishments, Howard McCormick's work is not as widely known today as that of some of his contemporaries. He continued to work and exhibit throughout his life, but with the advent of modernism and changes in artistic tastes, his style became somewhat overshadowed by new movements in the art world.
Howard McCormick passed away on August 19, 1943, in New York City. His legacy lives on in the collections of various institutions and in the pages of the books and magazines he illustrated. His commitment to his craft and his ability to capture the spirit of America's past have ensured that his work remains an important part of the country's artistic heritage.