Rockwell Kent

Date of Birth: June 21, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 13, 1971

Biography

Rockwell Kent was an American painter, printmaker, illustrator, and writer, known for his distinctive and dramatic landscapes. Born in Tarrytown, New York, Kent developed an early interest in the arts, which led him to study under prominent artists such as Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase. Throughout his career, Kent’s work often depicted rugged and remote landscapes, capturing the raw beauty of nature in places like Alaska, Greenland, and Tierra del Fuego. Kent’s versatility extended beyond painting; he was also a proficient illustrator, contributing to classic literary works such as Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick.” His bold and dynamic style earned him recognition and acclaim, and his social and political activism, including his support for workers’ rights and opposition to fascism, further distinguished his legacy.

5 Interesting Facts about Rockwell Kent

1. Rockwell Kent lived in many remote locations to draw inspiration for his art, including Alaska, Greenland, and Newfoundland.

2. He was not only an artist but also a sailor, carpenter, and dairy farmer.

3. Kent was an outspoken socialist and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs.

4. He was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1967 by the Soviet Union for his efforts in promoting peace and friendship between the U.S. and the USSR.

5. Kent’s illustrations for “Moby Dick” are among his most acclaimed works and have been reprinted in numerous editions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rockwell Kent

1. “The artist in his effort to express universal truths must often rely on symbolism.”

2. “Art is no more a luxury than water and food; it is a discipline of the spirit.”

3. “The task of the artist is to make the human being uncomfortable, but to make them so uncomfortable that they will do something about the way they live.”

4. “The thing that makes a creative person is to be creative and that is all there is to it.”

5. “I don’t want to be just one thing; I want to be everything possible.”