biography of Howard PYLE (1853-1911)

Birth place: Wilmington

Death place: Florence, Italy.

Addresses: Wilmington, DE/Chadds Ford

Profession: Illustrator, painter, writer, teacher

Studied: Philadelphia, with Van der Weilen, 1869-72.

Exhibited: Boston AC, 1886-87; NAD, 1890; PAFA Ann., 1893, 1902; Columbian Expo, Chicago, 1893 (med); Pan-Am. Expo, Buffalo, 1901 (gold); Paris Expo, 1900 (med).

Member: ANA, 1905; NA, 1907; SC, 1876; NIAL; Century; Intl. Soc. SPG.

Work: Pyle Mem. Gal., Wilmington Inst. Lib., DE; Brandywine River Mus., Chadds Ford, PA; St. Louis AM

Comments: Pyle had studio in New York, 1876-80 and in Wilmington from 1880. He is best known for his illus. of early Am. historical characters and events. A highly important and influential illustrator and teacher, he was the founder of the Brandywine School" and is often referred to as the "Father of American Illustration." Among his many famous students were V. Oakley, N.C. Wyeth, M. Parrish, and H. Dunn. He was the author/illustrator of 24 books, including "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" (1883), "Within the Capes," "Pepper & Salt," "The Wonder Clock" (1888), "The Rose of Paradise," "Twilight Land" (1895), "Stolen Treasure" (1907), "Otto of the Silver Hand." He illustrated more than 100 books, and his works appeared in every major magazine from 1876 on, including Scribner's, St. Nicholas, Harper's (in black & white from 1876-87). Positions: Drexel IA, 1894-1900; director, Pyle Sch. Art ,1900-06. Specialty: pen-and-ink drawings.

Sources: WW06; P&H Samuels, 385; Falk, Exh. Record Series.