Ernest Theodore DeWald American art critic. Date of Birth: 18.09.1891 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. World War II and Postwar Efforts
4. Research and Publications
5. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Ernest DeWald was an American art historian born into a family with Alsatian and Swiss heritage. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University before completing his doctorate at Princeton University.

Academic Career

Under the guidance of Charles Rufus Morey, DeWald earned his doctorate with a dissertation on Pietro Lorenzetti (1916), which was later published as a monograph in 1929. After serving briefly in American military offices in Bern and Warsaw, DeWald returned to the United States and taught at Rutgers University from 1920. In 1923, he joined the faculty of Columbia University, and in 1925, he moved to Princeton University when Morey became the head of the Department of Art and Archaeology. He became a full professor in 1938 and served as the Director of the Princeton University Art Museum from 1947 to 1960.

World War II and Postwar Efforts

DeWald's academic career was interrupted by World War II. During the final months of the war, he worked with the Allied Commission for Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives in Italy, documenting war damage and prioritizing the preservation of cultural heritage. In 1966, DeWald returned to Italy to assist in the recovery of cultural artifacts after the Florence flood.

Research and Publications

DeWald's research focused on the illuminated manuscripts of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament. In 1961, he published his magnum opus, "Italian Painting, 1200-1600," a comprehensive survey of Italian painting during the period.

Legacy

Ernest DeWald passed away after attending a football game between Princeton and Columbia University. His work remains a valuable contribution to the field of art history and has inspired generations of scholars.