The Life and Art of Robert Winthrop Chanler
Born in New York City, Robert Winthrop Chanler was an American artist, designer, and muralist. A member of the Astor and Stuyvesant families, he received much of his art training in France at the École des Beaux-Arts. His career reached a significant milestone in 1905 when he completed his famous work, Au Pays des Girafes, which was later purchased by the French government. Chanler was a prominent figure in the art community, notably exhibiting at the 1913 Armory Show in New York City, where his elaborately painted screens captured the attention of critics and the public alike. His work was characterized by the use of sculpted gesso, transparent glazes, and gilded finishes to create ornate and decorative designs.
Decorative Works and Commissions
Chanler specialized in painted screens and was a member of the National Society of Mural Painters. His artistic output included diverse commissions, such as:
His work was also featured in the bedroom of Mai Rogers Coe. Chanler's legacy survives in various locations, including the Luxembourg Museum and the family's Rokeby estate near Barrytown, New York.
