Ellsworth Woodward, a name synonymous with the Southern Art Renaissance, played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of New Orleans and the broader American South. Born in 1861 in Seekonk, Massachusetts, Woodward's journey to becoming a celebrated New Orleans artist and educator is a testament to his passion for art and his dedication to fostering creativity in his adopted home.
Guy Lyman Fine Art is proud to offer a selection of his work for sale on our online art gallery.
Early Life and Education
Woodward's artistic journey began at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for aesthetics. His thirst for knowledge and artistic growth led him to further his studies abroad in Munich, under the tutelage of renowned artists Carl Marr and Richard Fehr.
The Move to New Orleans
In 1885, Ellsworth Woodward made a decision that would forever change the course of his life and the trajectory of Southern art. He moved to New Orleans, joining his older brother William on the art faculty at Tulane University. This move marked the beginning of Woodward's lifelong commitment to promoting Southern culture and art.
Newcomb College and the Arts and Crafts Movement
Two years after his arrival in New Orleans, Woodward secured a position as a professor of art at Sophie Newcomb College, now part of Tulane University. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the art world, serving as a teacher and mentor until his retirement in 1931.
Woodward's most significant contribution came in 1895 when he established the Newcomb Pottery on the college campus. This initiative was deeply rooted in the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, which advocated for the value of handcrafted goods over mass-produced items. Woodward believed that great artistic expression should be rooted in local culture and environment.
Under Woodward's guidance, Newcomb Pottery gained world renown. The pottery won numerous awards, including the Gold Prize at the Jamestown, New York, arts and crafts fair in 1907, and five separate awards at the Panama-Pacific Exhibition in San Francisco in 1915. These accolades helped establish Newcomb as the second-largest producer of individually decorated pottery in America.
Artistic Style and Legacy
As an artist, Woodward was known for his impressionist style, which he maintained throughout his career. His subjects often included local landscapes and scenes from New Orleans and the surrounding areas. While his work was popular during his lifetime, his most significant impact was as a teacher and institution builder.
Woodward's legacy continues to influence the New Orleans art scene and Southern art as a whole. His paintings can be found in numerous prestigious collections, including the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans, the Morris Museum in Augusta, Georgia, and the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, Texas.
The Southern Art Renaissance
Woodward's influence extended far beyond the walls of Newcomb College. He was a key figure in what came to be known as the Southern Art Renaissance, a period of artistic flourishing in the American South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1900, Woodward established the New Orleans Art Association, further cementing the city's place as a hub of artistic activity. He also played a crucial role in the founding of the Isaac Delgado Museum of Art (now the New Orleans Museum of Art) in 1912, serving as the chair of its art committee and later as its president.
Woodward's commitment to promoting Southern art reached new heights in 1920 when he co-founded the Southern States Art League. He presided over this organization from 1926 to 1933, using it as a platform to showcase and celebrate the unique artistic voice of the American South.
The Value of Woodward's Art Today
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Woodward's work and the art of the Southern Renaissance. This resurgence is evident in both academic circles and the art market. In 2009, a Woodward painting discovered in a Goodwill store in Nashville, Tennessee, sold for $8,000 at auction, highlighting the enduring value of his work.
For art dealers and collectors specializing in Southern art, Woodward's pieces are highly sought after. His paintings not only represent a significant period in American art history but also capture the essence of New Orleans and the South during a time of great cultural and artistic growth. Ellsworth Woodward's contributions to the Southern Art Renaissance extend far beyond his own artistic output. As an educator, institution builder, and tireless promoter of Southern art, he helped shape a generation of artists and establish New Orleans as a vibrant center of artistic activity. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art lovers alike, ensuring that the spirit of the Southern Art Renaissance lives on in the vibrant New Orleans art scene of today.
You can view our selection of Woodward's art here at Guy Lyman Fine Art.
Sources:
Wikipedia - Ellsworth Woodward
64 Parishes - Ellsworth Woodward