John Charles Van Dyke: A Life Devoted to Art
John Charles Van Dyke (1856-1932) was an American who wore many hats in the world of art: historian, critic, educator, and even nature writer. Here's a closer look at his life and achievements:
Early Life and Education (1856-1878):
- Born on April 21, 1856, in New Brunswick, New Jersey [Wikipedia].
- His father, John Van Dyke, held a distinguished career as a congressman and supreme court justice [Dictionary of Art Historians].
- Studied at Columbia University [Wikipedia].
- Briefly explored law, attending Columbia Law School and being admitted to the bar in 1877, but never practiced [Wikipedia].
Shifting Gears: Librarian and Budding Art Critic (1878-1889):
- In 1878, he returned to New Brunswick and took a position as assistant librarian at the Gardner A. Sage Library at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary [Dictionary of Art Historians]. He later became the librarian in 1886 [Dictionary of Art Historians].
- During this period, his passion for art blossomed. He delved into art research and began writing art criticism [Dictionary of Art Historians].
- His first published work, "Books and How to Use Them," appeared in 1883 [WorldCat].
Educator and Prolific Author (1889-1929):
- In 1889, his career took a major turn when he was appointed lecturer of modern art at Rutgers College (now Rutgers University) [Wikipedia]. He became a full professor of the history of art in 1891, the first person to hold such a position at Rutgers [Wikipedia].
- His appointment led to the conversion of the Rutgers president's residence into a dedicated space for the Department of Fine Arts [Wikipedia].
- Van Dyke became a prolific writer, publishing numerous books on art history, criticism, and appreciation. Some notable works include:
- "How to Judge a Picture" (1888) - a guide for art enthusiasts [WorldCat]
- "Art for Art's Sake" (1893) - exploring artistic philosophies [WorldCat]
- "A History of Painting" (1894) - a broad overview of the art form [WorldCat]
- Edited series like "New Guides to Old Masters" offered accessible introductions to renowned artists [Wikipedia].
- He was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1908, a prestigious recognition for his contributions [Wikipedia].
Beyond Art: A Love for Nature (1901-1932):
- Van Dyke's interests weren't limited to art. He also published books on his fascination with nature, most notably "The Desert: Further Studies in Natural Appearances" (1901) [Wikipedia]. This work is credited with influencing how Americans viewed the beauty and significance of the American Southwest [Peter Wild, historian].
Later Years and Legacy (1929-1932):
- Van Dyke retired from teaching at Rutgers in 1929 but continued writing until his death in New York City in 1932 [Wikipedia].
- His legacy lives on through his influential writings, which helped educate and inspire generations of art lovers and historians.
- He played a significant role in establishing the field of art history at Rutgers University and contributed to the appreciation of both art and nature in American culture.
Further Exploration:
- John Charles Van Dyke's autobiography, titled "The Autobiography of John C. Van Dyke: A Personal Narrative of American Life, 1861-1931," offers a firsthand account of his life and experiences [University of Arizona Libraries].
- Exploring his published works, particularly those on specific artists or artistic movements, can provide deeper insights into his critical approach and areas of expertise.
