Leon Dabo Art
American, 1868-1960
A painter with a long and productive career, Leon Dabo was known for his atmospheric, tonalist paintings, especially of the Hudson and East rivers in New York City in early morning and sunset times of day---"silent, introspective times of day that appealed to the Tonalist sensibility. . . he emphasized gentle nuances of light and atmosphere, luminous color effects, and an innovative handling of space". Dabo also painted floral still lifes, and in the 1920s became a lecturer on art education and on specific artists including John La Farge and James Whistler.
Newly discovered research, verified by gallery owner and art historian, Frank Goss has shown that Leon Dabo was born in France in 1864 and not as previously thought in Detroit in 1868. His father was Ignace Scott, an artist specializing in architectural decoration. Dabo grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and was an apprentice to his father before going to New York City, where he associated with John La Farge.
In 1886, Dabo went to Paris where, using letters of introduction provided by La Farge, met leading artists. He studied with Daniel Vierge and Pierre Galland, and at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs, Academie Julian and the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He also went to Italy and London, where it is thought he spent time with James Mc Neill Whistler in his studio. In subsequent paintings, Dabo reflected Whistler's influence including his philosophy of 'art for art's sake', his tonalist style, and his use of a monogram as a signature. Dabo later considered himself an expert on documenting Whistler's paintings, as did others, and Dabo became an authenticator and published writer work by Whistler.
In 1892, Dabo returned to NYC. He took up his former career of architectural decorator and muralist of public and religious buildings. He also painted river scenes, initially working in an inhibited-seeming academic manner but then loosening up in what was then regarded as modernist influences. Among those artists whose work had an effect on him in addition to Whistler were French Impressionists and Japanese painters such as Hiroshige and Hokusai.
Dabo's painting career ascended in 1905, when the National Arts Club, of which he was a member, sponsored a solo exhibition of his work, which critics generally praised and which brought him public attention. Prominent collector and Tonalist enthusiast William T. Evans purchased some of Dabo's paintings, which conveyed special distinction. In 1910, he participated in the "Independents" exhibit organized by The Eight in New York City, and in 1913, as a member of The Society of Painters and Sculptors, was one of the principle organizers of the New York City Armory Show that introduced modernist art from Europe to the United States.
He was a member of the National Academy of Design, Scholastic Art League and Brooklyn Society of Artists. In 1917, Dabo was commissioned and sent to France in the A.E.F. Corps of Interpreters. In France he also received the Chevalier Legion of Honor award.(Biography provided by Helicline Fine Art)
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Study of Talloires
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
Oil on canvas. Estate of the artist.
Leon Dabo (1865-1960) enjoyed widespread acclaim in a career that stretched nearly a century. He was one of the primary students of Whistler and his work was a “virtual international style by 1910." He was an artist "who created works of decorative and spiritual abstraction that became icons of their age.” (David Cleveland, A History of American Tonalism...
Category
1930s Post-Impressionist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
Untitled, View Toward Mt. Sainte Victoire
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
Oil on canvas. Estate of the artist.
Leon Dabo (1865-1960) enjoyed widespread acclaim in a career that stretched nearly a century. He was one of the primary students of Whistler and his work was a “virtual international style by 1910." He was an artist "who created works of decorative and spiritual abstraction that became icons of their age.” (David Cleveland, A History of American Tonalism...
Category
1930s Post-Impressionist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
Le Vesle
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
Oil on canvas. Estate of the artist.
Leon Dabo (1865-1960) enjoyed widespread acclaim in a career that stretched nearly a century. He was one of the primary students of Whistler and his work was a “virtual international style by 1910." He was an artist "who created works of decorative and spiritual abstraction that became icons of their age.” (David Cleveland, A History of American Tonalism...
Category
1930s Tonalist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
Woodstock After the Rain
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
This is an early work showing the mist still in the air after the rain has fallen. It is nearly abstract in its affect and describes what Dabo was, arguably, best known for: evanes...
Category
1910s Tonalist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
Seashore, Dawn
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
Leon Dabo (1865-1960) enjoyed widespread acclaim in a career that stretched nearly a century. He was one of the primary students of Whistler and his work was a “virtual international style by 1910." He was an artist "who created works of decorative and spiritual abstraction that became icons of their age.” (David Cleveland, A History of American Tonalism...
Category
Early 1900s Tonalist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
Untitled (Hudson River Landscape)
By Leon Dabo
Located in Lawrence, NY
Leon Dabo (1865-1960) enjoyed widespread acclaim in a career that stretched nearly a century. He was one of the primary students of Whistler and his work was a “virtual international...
Category
1910s Tonalist Leon Dabo Art
Materials
Oil
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Leon Dabo art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Leon Dabo art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, purple and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Leon Dabo in oil paint, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Post-Impressionist style. Not every interior allows for large Leon Dabo art, so small editions measuring 18 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Bruce Crane, Charles Courtney Curran, and John Francis Murphy. Leon Dabo art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35,000 and tops out at $60,000, while the average work can sell for $52,500.