Biography

Paul Cornoyer was an American painter born in 1864 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is best known for his work in the Impressionist and Tonalist styles, with occasional use of Pointillism. Cornoyer's artistic journey began with painting in the Barbizon style, and he first exhibited his work in 1887. Seeking further education, he moved to Paris in 1889 to study at the Académie Julian under the tutelage of notable artists such as Jules Lefebvre and Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant. Upon returning to the United States in 1894, Cornoyer's style evolved under the influence of American Tonalists. Encouraged by the prominent artist William Merritt Chase, Cornoyer relocated to New York City in 1899, where he became a significant figure in the art community. His work was recognized with a show at the Albright–Knox Art Gallery in 1908, and he was elected as an Associate Academician of the National Academy of Design in 1909. Cornoyer also contributed to art education, teaching at the Mechanics Institute of New York and later in Massachusetts, where he continued to paint until his death in 1923. His work remains celebrated for its atmospheric qualities and is sought after by collectors for its historical significance and aesthetic appeal.