John Taylor Arms | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1887-04-19)April 19, 1887 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | October 15, 1953(1953-10-15) (aged 66) Fairfield, Connecticut |
| Known for | printmaker, etcher |
John Taylor Arms (April 19, 1887 – October 13, 1953) was an American etcher.
Arms was born inWashington, DC in 1887. He studied law atPrinceton University, transferring to theMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, to study architecture, graduating in 1912. After serving as an officer in theUnited States Navy duringWorld War I, he devoted himself full-time toetching. He published his first original etchings in 1919.
His initial subject was theBrooklyn Bridge inNew York City near which he worked. Arms developed a successful career as a graphic artist in the 1920s and 1930s, specializing in series of etchings ofGothic churches and cathedrals in France and Italy. In addition to medieval subjects, Arms made a series of prints of American cities.[1]
He used sewing needles and magnifying glasses to get a fine level of detail. A member of manyprintmaking societies, Arms served as president of theSociety of American Graphic Artists. An educator, Arms wrote theHandbook of Print Making and Print Makers (1934) and did numerous demonstrations and lectures.[2] Arms was elected into theNational Academy of Design as an Associate member in 1930, and became a full member in 1933. His work was also part of thepainting event in theart competition at the1932 Summer Olympics.[3]
Arms died inFairfield, Connecticut in 1953.
In 2011, 54 of Arms’ prints and drawing were shown at theNational Gallery of Art’s exhibitThe Gothic Spirit of John Taylor Arms;[4] the works were drawn from the Gallery’s collection.[5]
