Dr. Theodore E. Stebbins Jr., one of the nation’s best-known authorities on American art, visited Darlington April 20 as the third speaker in the annual
Class of 1953 Lectureship Series. His presentation was titled "Art and Life in America."
“Dr. Stebbins effectively argued that art history is still a viable subject matter, although its practical purposes may not be directly applicable,” said senior Jackson Harris. “Too often students reject various disciplines superficially without researching them. This lectureship is an opportunity to see past these types of misconceptions.”
While at Darlington, Stebbins also spoke to Art History classes, discussing American artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Thomas Eakins.
“Having Dr. Stebbins in our classroom opened an avenue for the students to see practical uses for a career in art history,” said Bryan Evans (’99), AP Art History teacher. “He also demonstrated how art is important within the context of human existence. I firmly believe that giving these opportunities for the students to hear from some of the best and brightest in their fields will be an inspiration down the road.”
Stebbins has served as curator of American art at Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum since 2000. In this capacity, he is responsible for the university’s collections of over 3,000 American paintings, sculpture, watercolors and decorative arts.
Prior to his work at Harvard, Stebbins served as curator of American paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, since 1977. In 1978, he organized the first exhibition of American paintings in China’s history. In 1983, Stebbins organized the landmark show “A New World” for Boston, Paris and Washington. A decade later, he surveyed the attraction that Italy held for American artists in his “Lure of Italy.” His scholarly catalogue for this exhibition became the first American book to win the prestigious Minda da Gunzberg Prize.
Stebbins has written or co-authored more than 60 books and articles on all aspects of American art, from colonial times to the present day. He has also served as adviser on long-range planning, collecting strategy and other matters, to numerous American museums and other institutions. He has lectured from Paris to Beijing on all aspects of American art, making numerous appearances on television and radio.
A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Stebbins has taught at Smith College, Yale, Harvard and Boston University. His many achievements were recognized in 1999, when he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and when he was awarded an honorary degree from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. He has also received the Joseph Coolidge Shaw Medal from Boston College in recognition of his contributions to the study of American culture.
According to Mike Luxenberg (’53), class agent, the annual lectureship was established to commemorate the class’ 50th reunion and to broaden and enhance the education of current students. Members of the class endowed the lectureship, which features speakers from all walks of life, with varying educational backgrounds, careers and professions. Past lecturers have included Roger Mudd and Tommy Smothers.
“Spending time with the class of 1953, I could see that they had great respect for their teachers when they were at Darlington. Thus, it doesn’t seem surprising that they would band together to give back to their school an opportunity for learning,” said Evans. “This is a concrete gift that will pay dividends for the students, not just this year, but throughout their lives.”
Fellow AP Art History teacher George Awsumb agreed. “I am most gratified and impressed by the Class of 1953’s interest in the School’s academic programs and by their generosity,” he said. “It is heartwarming to see friendships spanning 50 years result in a positive improvement for Darlington.”
