Cecil de Blaquiere Howard, an American sculptor and painter, was born on April 2, 1888, in Clifton, Welland County, Ontario, Canada, which is today part of Niagara Falls. His life and career spanned several significant periods in art history, and his work reflected the dynamic changes in artistic styles and philosophies of the early 20th century. Howard was the fourth child of British businessman George Henry Howard and his wife Alice Augusta (née Farmer). His middle name, "de Blaquiere," was inherited from his maternal grandmother, a name that he would carry into his professional identity. Howard's early education took place at Lafayette High School, where he graduated in the class of 1903. His time at Lafayette High School would be a stepping stone to his future endeavors in the arts. Following his high school education, Howard pursued artistic training at the Art Students' League in Buffalo, where he studied under James Earle Fraser. His education continued in Paris at the prestigious Académie Julian, a hub for aspiring artists from around the world. It was in Paris that Howard's artistic talents began to flourish, and he became deeply integrated into the Parisian art scene. Howard's work was diverse and experimental. He was known for his sculptures that captured the human form in various contexts, whether in motion, at rest, or engaged in sports. His approach to sculpture was innovative, as he experimented with different styles such as figurative, polychrome, cubism, traditional African art, art deco, classicism, and neoclassicism. Howard's versatility was also evident in the materials he used, which included clay, stone, marble, wood, plasticine, terracotta, plaster, wax, bronze, and silver. This diversity in both style and material demonstrated Howard's commitment to exploring the full range of sculptural expression. During his time in Paris, Howard befriended influential figures such as the poet and critic Guillaume Apollinaire. In 1917, he played the role of the People, providing on-stage accordion music and sound effects, in the premiere of Apollinaire's surrealist drama "Les Mamelles de Tirésias." This experience highlighted Howard's willingness to engage with the avant-garde movements of the time. Howard's career was marked by significant achievements and recognition. After World War I, he received commissions to create war memorials in Normandy, and his work was acquired by notable patrons such as Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and Henry Luce. His sculptures were well-received in both Europe and the United States, and he was awarded prestigious medals including the Widener Gold Medal, the Herbert Adams Memorial Medal, and the E. N. Watrous Gold Medal from the National Academy of Design. Throughout the inter-war period, Howard divided his time between France, England, and the United States, producing some of his most important and creative works. His sculptures were featured in exhibitions and were well-regarded by critics and the public alike. Howard's work was characterized by a blend of antiquity and modernity, a fusion that was both innovative and respectful of classical traditions. Cecil de Blaquiere Howard's life was one of artistic exploration and accomplishment. He passed away on September 5, 1956, in New York, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and a body of work that continues to be appreciated for its contribution to the development of modern sculpture. Howard's sculptures and his role in the art world of his time remain a testament to his skill, creativity, and the vibrant artistic community of the early 20th century.

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