Arthur Mathews

Arthur Frank Mathews grew up in Oakland, California, where his family settled in 1867, and worked initially in Bay area as an architectural draughtsman, designer and illustrator. Studied painting in Paris at Academie Julian with Boulanger and Lefebvre in late 1880s. Specialized in subjects from mythology, which combined interests in art and nature; paintings exhibited in Paris Salons of 1887-1889. Influenced by figurative murals of Puvis de Chavannes, Whistler's color tonalities, and Japanese woodblock prints. Returned to San Francisco in 1889. Director of California School of Design from 1890-1906. Married his student Lucia Kleinhans in 1894, and with her developed 'California Decorative Style' in creations ranging from paintings to furniture to book design. Together they exercised a major influence on California art and design from the late 1890s to early 1920s. Operated The Furniture Shop, a design collaborative from 1906 - 1920, which flourished with demand for quality custom-designed interiors following the San Francisco earthquake and fire. Helped establish 'Philopolis' (1906), a monthly magazine designed to consider the artistic and ethical aspects of San Francisco's rebuilding. Mathews was a frequent contributor to the magazine. Achieved distinction as a muralist; won gold medal from American Institute of Architects for murals in California State Capitol, Sacramento.

Arthur Mathews Images:
Youth