HOWARD PYLE

Howard Pyle (1853-1911) was one of America’s most popular illustrators and storytellers at the end of the 19th century during a period of explosive growth in the publishing industry. His illustrations appeared in magazines like Harper’s Monthly, St. Nicholas, and Scribner’s Magazine, gaining him both national and international exposure. The broad appeal of his imagery made him a celebrity in his lifetime. Pyle crafted a unique approach to the art of illustration by immersing himself in the art of his time. In addition to viewing original works of art in public and private collections in Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York, Pyle absorbed contemporary imagery through illustrated periodicals and books, reproductive prints, and fine art (photomechanical) reproductions. All of these were available to him via the burgeoning international trade in prints and publications. Pyle adapted his technique to suit the story being illustrated, drawing on a broad range of styles, including Pre-Raphaelitism, Aestheticism, Symbolism, and American realist painting. His success as an artist was enhanced by his audience’s knowledge of and appreciation of the many American and European sources that he referenced and quoted. And his remarkable versatility situated him solidly within the conversations that defined the art world of the period.