Edwin A. Abbey | The Nation

The article profiles late Edwin A. Abbey, who made one of those perfectly normal successes that seem to belie the romantic traditions of the painter's craft. At an early age the young Pennsylvanian was already a popular illustrator. For the grace and petulance of young womanhood he had an understanding eye. Abbey's repute as decorator and historical painter will rise no higher than that of his sponsors, and any complete rehabilitation of these British schools seems unlikely. His achievement may not seem to rank very high on an absolute scale, but it increases one's respect for the human intelligence.