User:Ldabe/Jeanne Reynal: she/her, American, 1903-1983

The Blizzard of '88 by Jeanne Reynal. A Venetian glass mural located in the Nebraska State Capitol.

Jeanne Reynal (born April 1, 1903 - 1983) was an American mosaic artist and sculptor.

Early Career

In 1930, Reynal moved to Paris where she studied with Boris Anrep till 1938. Here, Reynal learned ancient mosaic techniques. During her stay in Paris, she assisted Anrep on his design for the floor of The Bank of England. After leaving Paris, Reynal moved to California for eight years. In 1946 Reynal returned to her New York studio. According to a series of letters written back and forth with Arshile Gorky, Reynal also studied under the painter.

Art and Mosaics

Reynal was known as a pioneer of mosaics during the New York Abstract Expressionist Movement. Her work prompted a rebirth of ancient mosaic techniques in the modern art world. In addition, Reynal freed the mosaic from the traditional confines of architectural settings. Reynal embraced the layered effect of mosaics, as they could stand alone, be apart of architecture, or engage with nature. She was inspired by Byzantine mosaics as well as artwork by Mexican, Greek, and American Southwestern artists. Her work discusses mythology through a culturally modern setting. In this way, her mosaic work became accessible to the contemporary art world. Her work is displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Denver Art Museum, Ford Foundation, New York University, Phillips Academy, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Personal Life

Reynal was born White Plains, NY. After her parents separation in 1912, Reynal moved with her father to Millbrook, NY. After moving to New York, NY, Reynal married the artist Thomas Sills.