Paul Cornoyer 1864-1923

Why We Love It

Paul Cornoyer, his palette and style are usually moody and atmospheric and this picture fits that description perfectly. The temptation to compare it to Whistler and his efforts to capture the spirit of his adopted hometown is overwhelming. Tonality and composition far outweigh the pictorial importance of the work. Despite the fact that Cheyne Walk is a famous street in the Chelsea section of London, Cornoyer resists the temptation to turn out a picture postcard of the site and, instead, captures the essence of an early evening in that lovely part of town.

The Value

Cornoyer was best known for his interpretations of city landscapes. His early works of this subject were executed in Paris and later most of them were executed in New York. The London scenes, of which we have owned two, are rare. Other painters joined Paul Cornoyer in their depictions of city life and architecture, but few rival him.

Artist Background

1864: Born in St. Louis, Missouri; 1889-94: Traveled to Paris and studied at the Academie Julian; 1899: Moved to New York City upon the suggestion of William Merritt Chase, who admired Cornoyer's work; 1900s: Started painting New York City street scenes in a Tonalist style, which gained him critical acclaim; 1923: Died.