Biography
Edward Francis McCartan (August 16, 1879 – September 20, 1947) was an American sculptor, best known for his decorative bronzes that stand out for their naturalism and gestural sophistication combined with art deco motifs.
Born in Albany, New York, he studied at the Pratt Institute, with Herbert Adams. He also studied at the Art Students League of New York with George Grey Barnard and Hermon Atkins MacNeil, and then in Paris for three years under Jean Antoine Injalbert before his return to the United States in 1910.
In 1914, McCartan became the Director of the sculpture department of the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design in New York City. Eleanor Mary Mellon was among those he taught during his career.
His Eugene Field Memorial (“Winken, Blinken, and Nod”) can still be found in the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago.
McCartan’s sculpture, The Nude, was stolen from the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Michigan but was recovered from the Detroit River, restored, and returned to the Memorial.
McCartan sculpted the 19th issue of the Society of Medalists, Peace in the New World/War in the Old World. Several life size allegorical and mythological statues can be found at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. New Jersey Bell Headquarters Building, a national historic site in Newark, New Jersey includes pilasters by the artist. He worked on a pediment for the Department of Labor Building, in 1934 to 1935. His work was also part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
He died in New Rochelle, New York, September 20, 1947 and is buried at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, New York. McCartan was posthumously honored by the National Sculpture Society.
Nationality:
American
Dates:
August 16, 1879 – September 20, 1947
Occupation:
Sculptor
Schools attended:
Pratt Institute, Art Students League
Taught at:
Beaux-Arts Institute of Design in New York
Student of:
Herbert Adams, George Grey Barnard, Hermon Atkins MacNeil, Jean Antoine Injalbert
Teacher of:
Eleanor Mary Mellon
Group / Movement:
National Sculpture Society