Description
Orson Byron Lowell was an American illustrator, cartoonist, painter and designer who frequently worked in pen and ink, conte crayon, and gouache. He was born in Iowa where his father Milton H. Lowell was a landscape painter. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago under J.H. Vanderpoel and was already receiving illustration assignments in his final year of study. In 1893 he moved to New York, where he soon developed a successful career as an illustrator of periodicals including Life, Judge, and Punch. He was also known for his cartoons with a social commentary message. He purchased a home in New Rochelle in an artist’s community that included Norman Rockwell. Lowell became a member of the Society of Illustrators in 1901, and was also a member of the Artists Guild and other art associations. His works are in the Cincinnati Museum among institutions and are reproduced in several art historical works on illustration art of the 20th century.
Inscription outer margin lower right corner: Orson Lowell, 501 5th Ave. N.Y.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear. Slightly greater toning from former matting, can be rematted out. Conte crayon can smudge, must be handled carefully and framed properly. Glue residue in horizontal band far upper margin, easily matted out.
References:
Cabrera, Armand. “Orson Byron Lowell.” Art and Influence. 4 October 2015. http://www.artandinfluence.com/2015/10/orson-byron-lowell.html (7 November 2017).
Falk, Peter Hastings, ed. Who Was Who in American Art. Madison, Connecticut: Sound View Press, 1985. p. 381.