Howard Pyle was a prominent American figure at the turn of the 20th century, known for both his illustrations and children's stories. Here's a breakdown of his achievements:
The Illustrator:
- Born in 1853 and lived until 1911.
- Gained recognition for his illustrations in magazines like Harper's and St. Nicholas, capturing a national audience.
- Helped shape the modern image of pirates through his illustrations.
- Influenced the Brandywine School of illustration.
The Author:
- Wrote and illustrated children's books, many considered classics today.
- His most famous work is arguably "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" (1883).
- Other notable works include "Otto of the Silver Hand" (1888) and Arthurian tales like "The Story of King Arthur and His Knights."
- Also wrote for adults, with historical fiction like "Men of Iron" (later adapted into a film).
The Educator:
- Shared his knowledge by teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute (now Drexel University) in the 1890s.
- Founded his own art school, the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art, around 1900.
- Mentored future generations of illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and Jessie Willcox Smith.