Albert Lorey Groll (New York, 1866-1952)
Oil on canvas
12 x 16 in.
Albert Lorey Groll (1866–1952) was an esteemed American artist and etcher, renowned for his evocative landscape paintings that captured the essence of the American Southwest. Born in New York City in 1866 to a pharmacist immigrant from Darmstadt, Germany, Groll's artistic journey began with formal training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Germany, where he studied under the tutelage of Nicholas Gysis and Ludwig von Löfftz. His quest for artistic mastery led him to further education in London and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Upon returning to New York in 1895, Groll transitioned from figure painting to landscape art, drawn in part by the practicality of working without the expense of hiring models. He gained recognition not only as a painter but also as a skilled etcher. In 1904, Groll embarked on the first of several transformative journeys to the American Southwest, where he immersed himself in the landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico. These expeditions inspired a prolific body of work, predominantly oil paintings depicting the Native American lands, characterized by a blend of realism and abstract elements.
Throughout his career, Groll garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to the art world. His accolades include the prestigious George Inness gold medal in 1912, awarded for his captivating portrayal of Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. Groll's artistic achievements were further acknowledged with his election into esteemed institutions such as the National Academy of Design in 1910 and the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1933. He was also invited to join esteemed organizations such as the American Watercolor Society.
Groll's legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements to his role in popularizing the desert landscape as a subject of American art. His influence extended to other East Coast artists, including William Robinson Leigh, whom he introduced to the Southwest. Revered for his skillful technique, vibrant colors, and poetic interpretation of landscapes, Groll was aptly described as a "musical dreamer in color" and "America's sky painter." His works, characterized by a harmonious blend of realism and abstraction, continue to captivate audiences and are showcased in prominent museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gilcrease Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Art. Albert Lorey Groll's artistic legacy endures as a testament to his profound impact on the American art scene.
