Paul Cadmus was an American artist whose career spanned over seven decades, marked by a distinctive style that combined satirical wit with technical precision. Born on December 17, 1904, in New York City, Cadmus grew up in an environment steeped in artistic influence. His father, Egbert Cadmus, was a commercial lithographer and watercolorist, and his mother, Maria Latasa, was an illustrator of children's books. The artistic inclinations of his parents undoubtedly shaped Cadmus's early life and future career. At the tender age of 15, Cadmus left high school to pursue his passion for art, enrolling at the National Academy of Design. There, he honed his skills in drawing and printmaking, winning numerous scholarships and prizes for his work. His education continued at the Art Students League of New York, where he met Jared French, a fellow student who would become a significant influence on Cadmus's life and work. In 1931, Cadmus and French embarked on a journey to Europe, seeking inspiration and a more stimulating environment for their art. They traveled extensively, visiting museums and cities throughout France and Spain, and eventually settled in a fishing village on the island of Majorca. It was during this period that Cadmus produced some of his early masterpieces, including "YMCA Locker Room" and "Shore Leave," which would later be recognized as significant contributions to his oeuvre. Upon returning to the United States in 1933, Cadmus became one of the first artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project, a New Deal program aimed at providing work for artists during the Great Depression. It was during this time that he created "The Fleet's In!"—a painting that would become the center of a censorship scandal due to its candid depiction of sailors on shore leave. The controversy surrounding the painting catapulted Cadmus into the public eye and solidified his reputation as a provocateur and social commentator. Despite the challenges he faced, including the censorship of his work and the shifting trends in the art world, Cadmus remained committed to his vision. He continued to produce art that reflected his satirical take on American life, often exploring themes of sexuality, social critique, and human folly. His technique of egg tempera painting, a method that dates back to the Renaissance, allowed him to achieve a level of detail and luminosity that became a hallmark of his style. Cadmus's work often featured male nudes, a subject that was both personal and political. As an openly gay man, his depictions of the male form were both an expression of his identity and a challenge to the conservative norms of the time. His art provided a space for the exploration and celebration of queer culture, which was largely marginalized and hidden from public view. Throughout his career, Cadmus's work was exhibited in numerous solo and group shows, and he was the subject of several retrospectives. His art is held in the collections of major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He was elected to the National Academy of Design and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Cadmus's personal life was as rich and complex as his art. He lived for many years with his partner, Jon Anderson, who was also his muse and frequent model. The couple resided in Weston, Connecticut, in a studio built for Cadmus by his brother-in-law, Lincoln Kirstein, co-founder of the New York City Ballet. Paul Cadmus passed away on December 12, 1999, just days before his 95th birthday. His legacy endures not only through his art but also through his impact on the discourse around censorship, sexuality, and the role of the artist in society. Cadmus's work continues to be celebrated for its technical mastery, its unflinching portrayal of the human condition, and its contribution to the canon of American art.

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