Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Paul Cadmus Biography
Paul Cadmus, born on December 17, 1904, in New York City, emerged as one of the most provocative and distinctive American artists of the 20th century. His work, characterized by a blend of satirical wit and exquisite craftsmanship, spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of painting, drawing, and printmaking. Cadmus's journey into the art world was deeply influenced by his family background; both of his parents were artists. His father, Egbert Cadmus, was a commercial lithographer, and his mother, Maria Latasa, illustrated children's books. This artistic environment nurtured Cadmus's talents from a young age, leading him to enroll in art classes at the National Academy of Design at the tender age of 15.
Cadmus's early education at the National Academy of Design laid the foundation for his technical skills and artistic vision. He further honed his craft at the Art Students League of New York, where he met Jared French, a fellow student who would become a significant influence on his life and work. The two formed a close relationship, both personally and professionally, and in 1931, they embarked on a transformative journey to Europe. This period abroad, particularly their time in Majorca, Spain, was prolific for Cadmus, inspiring some of his first major works.
Upon returning to the United States in 1933, Cadmus found himself amidst the Great Depression. However, this challenging period also presented opportunities. Cadmus was one of the first artists to be employed by the New Deal art programs, which aimed to support artists while enhancing public spaces with their work. It was during this time that Cadmus created one of his most controversial and celebrated works, "The Fleet's In!" The painting, depicting sailors on shore leave in a manner that included elements of homoeroticism and social critique, sparked a scandal that catapulted Cadmus into the national spotlight.
Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy, Cadmus's career flourished. He continued to produce work that combined sharp social observation with a unique aesthetic that drew from Renaissance art, magic realism, and modern life. His paintings often featured heroically muscled young men, and he became one of the first contemporary artists to be recognized as a chronicler of gay life. However, Cadmus himself was ambivalent about being labeled as a gay artist, preferring to see his work as a broader commentary on human nature and society.
Cadmus's technique, particularly his use of egg tempera, set his work apart. This painstaking method allowed for a level of detail and luminosity that became a hallmark of his style. Throughout his career, Cadmus remained committed to figurative art, even as the art world's focus shifted towards abstraction. His dedication to capturing the human form, with all its flaws and beauty, earned him a place in major American art museums and several prestigious group shows.
In addition to his paintings, Cadmus was a master draughtsman. His drawings, often of single nude male figures, are celebrated for their precision and sensitivity. Cadmus's work in printmaking, especially his etchings, further demonstrated his versatility and skill as an artist.
Cadmus lived a long and productive life, continuing to create art well into his nineties. He passed away on December 12, 1999, in Weston, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke. His work, a blend of the personal and the political, the beautiful and the grotesque, remains a powerful testament to his unique vision and extraordinary talent.
Paul Cadmus 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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