Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Howard Norton-Cook Biography
Howard Norton Cook, born on July 16, 1901, in Springfield, Massachusetts, emerged as a pivotal figure in American art, renowned for his versatility across various mediums including wood engravings, murals, printmaking, and watercolors. His artistic journey, marked by a blend of expressionistic, abstract, and realistic styles, reflects a profound engagement with the American landscape and its socio-political milieu.
Cook's early life in Springfield laid the foundation for his artistic aspirations. In 1919, with a $500 scholarship in hand, he ventured to New York City to attend the Art Students League, an institution that played a crucial role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. Here, he was mentored by prominent artists such as Andrew Dasburg and Maurice Sterne, and he also learned printmaking from Joseph Pennell, which significantly influenced his later works.
The 1920s were a formative period for Cook, as he spent much of the decade in Europe, absorbing the rich artistic traditions of the continent. However, it was his return to the United States, and specifically his move to Taos, New Mexico, in 1926 that marked a turning point in his career. Commissioned by The Forum to create a series of woodcuts for "Death Comes for the Archbishop," Cook was introduced to the vibrant artistic community in Taos, including artist Barbara Latham, whom he married in May 1927. The couple's travels to Europe, Mexico, and the American South from 1928 to 1935 further enriched Cook's artistic repertoire, allowing him to explore and depict diverse cultures and landscapes.
During the 1930s, Cook's engagement with New Deal art projects led to the creation of significant murals for courthouses in Pittsburgh and Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as a 16-panel fresco in a San Antonio post office, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of American history and culture. His appointment in 1943 to lead a World War II art unit in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater further expanded his artistic horizons, as he documented the war through drawings and watercolors, contributing to the touring exhibition "The Army at War: A Graphic Record by American Artists."
In 1967, Cook's contributions to American art were recognized when he became the first artist in the Roswell Museum and Art Center's Artist-in-Residence program. The couple's eventual move to Roswell, New Mexico, and later to Santa Fe in 1976 due to Cook's ill health, marked the final chapters of their artistic journey.
Cook's legacy is preserved in the public collections of prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, Baltimore Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, British Museum, Albuquerque Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His work has been celebrated for its profound impact on American art, particularly in the realms of printmaking, mural painting, and watercolors.
Howard Norton Cook passed away on June 24, 1980, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. His artistic vision, characterized by a deep engagement with the American spirit and landscape, has cemented his place as a significant figure in the annals of American art history.
Howard Norton-Cook 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
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