American artist Theresa Bernstein was born in Krakow but grew up in Philadelphia, where her family immigrated. From a young age, she showed a talent for drawing and was able to realize it over an extraordinarily long life. Although biographers long debated her birth year, it is certain that she lived for over a century. Discover at philadelphiaski what she managed to accomplish during her century of life.
Early Life and Education
A girl named Theresa was born on March 1, 1890, in Krakow. Various sources list dates from 1886 to 1895, but biographers have since confirmed 1890 as her birth year. Theresa was the only child in a Jewish family.
Her parents, Isidor and Anna, decided to move to the United States when their daughter was just two years old. They successfully settled in Philadelphia. It was there that Theresa attended school, graduating in 1907.
She then enrolled at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art & Design). Her teachers included Elliott Daingerfield, Harriet Sartain, Henry B. Snell, and Daniel Garber. They noticed the young woman’s talent and did everything they could to encourage its development. Later, Theresa became part of the so-called “Philadelphia Ten,” a group that brought together prominent local women artists of the time.
Theresa graduated in 1911 with honors for her achievements. It is worth noting that in 1992, her alma mater awarded her an honorary doctorate. The talented young woman was subsequently accepted into the Art Students League of New York, moving there to study portrait painting under William Merritt Chase.
During this time, Theresa and her mother took their second trip to Europe. She had first visited in 1905 while still in school. In the Old World, she visited many galleries, becoming acquainted with various styles and movements in art. This had a significant impact on the formation of her creative vision.
Artistic Career and Achievements
In 1912, the artist permanently moved to Manhattan and immersed herself in its artistic life. The following year, she visited the Armory Show, which was the first major exhibition of modern art in the United States.
The artist’s first studio was located near Bryant Park and Times Square. Theresa painted the residents of New York whom she saw from her windows. In addition, she created still lifes and many works with maritime themes.
Later, along with her husband, the artist settled into a studio apartment on the Upper West Side. This home would be her sanctuary for the rest of her life. Theresa’s husband was also an artist, so they pursued their creative work together. In 1930, the Baltimore Museum of Art organized a joint exhibition for them, where their works were featured and celebrated.
Among Theresa’s notable works is the mural “America’s First Orchestra.” Located in the post office in Manheim, Pennsylvania, it was commissioned by the Treasury Department’s Section of Painting and Sculpture in 1938. It is worth noting that there were few women among artists in those years, and men were reluctant to recognize them as equals. For this reason, Theresa signed many of her works using only her last name.
Nevertheless, she was elected to:
- The National Association of Women Artists
- The Society of American Graphic Artists
- The North Shore Art Association
Bernstein’s works were exhibited at the National Academy of Design and the Society of Independent Artists, which she co-founded. Thus, her art was well-known to her contemporaries. The artist managed to achieve fame despite obstacles and the gender prejudices of her colleagues.
In 2000, to celebrate her 110th birthday, the artist organized a solo exhibition featuring 110 of her own best works. The event took place at the Jo-An Fine Art gallery in New York.
A self-portrait by Theresa Bernstein is displayed at The Jewish Museum in New York. Her canvases “The Readers” and “Polish Church: Easter Morning” were gifted to the National Gallery of Art in 2018. Additionally, paintings by Bernstein are featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Personal Life and Family
Theresa’s husband was the artist William Meyerowitz. The couple had one child, who died in infancy. Theresa had no other children. William passed away in 1981; until then, they had worked productively together.
They maintained a close family relationship with their nieces, musicians Laura Nyro and Barbara DeAngelis. Theresa and William helped the girls receive a quality music education. Barbara, for instance, studied at the Juilliard School. She became a successful songwriter and composer, and also taught voice and piano in New York and New Jersey. She later moved to Atlanta, where she passed away in 2011. Theresa also supported Barbara’s younger son, Keith Carlson.
The artist and centenarian passed away on February 13, 2002, in New York City. She was just two weeks shy of her 112th birthday. She had suffered a stroke a few years prior.