Jacob Landau

Nationally recognized artist, teacher[21]

What is Jacob Landau known for?

Jacob Landau, a famous American painter, was born on December 17, 1917, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Recognized for his evocative works on the human condition, Landau's art often addressed significant global events, such as the Great Depression and World War II, as well as exploring the impact of technology and politics on society. His remarkable pieces can be found in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery.

Landau's artistic talent emerged early in his life. By age three, he was drawing everything around him and began studying at the Graphic Sketch Club (now the Samuel Fleisher Memorial) when he was 12. His illustrations for Kipling's Jungle Book won a competition in Scholastic Magazine when he was just 17. This artistic prowess and dedication won him a scholarship from the Museum School of Industrial Art (today the University of the Arts) where he studied illustration, printmaking, and painting.

After his graduation in 1939, he moved to New York City, where he started his professional journey experimenting with various styles, treatments, and media. His initial phase included illustrating books and magazines. He also served in the armed forces during World War II, using his artistic talents in a number of capacities. After his military service, Landau furthered his studies in art with the assistance of the G.I. Bill.

Landau's drive for education didn't stop there, he spent a year at New York's New School for Social Research before moving to Paris to study at the Academie Julian and the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere. His encounter with fellow printmaker Leonard Baskin in Paris led him to explore the medium of woodcuts.

His teaching career began in 1954 at the Philadelphia College of Art and continued for over 20 years at Pratt Institute. He was instrumental in establishing the University Without Walls program at Pratt Institute, giving students an opportunity to work closely with instructors for hands-on experience. Additionally, he was also a faculty member of the Artist Teacher Institute, a summer residency program sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Community involvement was another aspect of Landau's life. He was an active participant in various organizations such as the American Humanist Association, Association for Humanistic Psychology, Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament, and was elected into the National Academy of Design as a full Academician in 1979.

In later life, he moved to Roosevelt, New Jersey, and built a geodesic dome as an art studio. Sadly, on November 24, 2001, we lost this great artist. However, his legacy continues with the formation of the Jacob Landau Institute, dedicated to preserving his work, sharing his philosophy of education, and nurturing individual artists.