Theodore Sizer (art historian) facts for kids

Theodore Sizer (born March 19, 1892 – died June 21, 1967) was an American art expert. He taught about art history at Yale University. He also directed the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1963, Yale University gave him a special title. He became their first Pursuivant of Arms. This role involved designing symbols and flags for the university.

About Theodore Sizer

Theodore Sizer was born in New York City on March 19, 1892. His parents were Robert Ryland Sizer and Mary T. Thomsen. As a child, people often called him "Tubby." He studied Fine Arts at Harvard University. He graduated in 1915 with good grades. In 1916, he married Caroline Wheelwright Foster.

Serving in Wars

During World War I, Theodore Sizer joined the army. He started as a private soldier. He was promoted to corporal and then sergeant. After more training, he became a first lieutenant. He helped load supplies onto ships in Philadelphia. He left the army in 1919. After the war, he traveled to South America for his job.

In 1922, he started working at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He was in charge of prints and Asian art. He worked there until 1927.

Sizer joined Yale University in 1927. He became a professor of art history. He also helped direct the Yale University Art Gallery. He became a full professor in 1931. He retired in 1957. From 1940 to 1947, he was the main director of the gallery.

During World War II, he served again. He was a lieutenant colonel in a special group. This group was called the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program. Their job was to protect important art and buildings during the war. He was the first leader of this program in Germany in 1944. He had to leave due to illness. He received an award from the Italian government for his work. It was called the Order of the Crown of Italy.

Later Life and Achievements

In 1947, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship. This award helped him do more research on fine arts. He also became a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1948.

Theodore Sizer became an expert in heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and symbols. In 1953, Yale University asked him to design banners. These banners were for ten of Yale's colleges and schools. He received the Yale Medal in 1962 for his service to the university. In 1963, he was named Yale's first Pursuivant of Arms. This meant he was the official designer of symbols for Yale.

He also designed a new flag for the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The city officially adopted his flag design on February 3, 1964.

Theodore Sizer wrote over 160 articles and books. Many of his writings were about the American artist John Trumbull.

Images for kids

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  The Flag of St. Louis, Missouri, designed by Theodore Sizer.

See also

• Theodore R. Sizer – his son, known for education reform