Stoic Soulfully Strong Women - All Women Composition Europhobia -, ca. 1920
Cornwell's work was defined by a monumental and dynamic style, often characterized by bold outlines and a graphic approach to composition.
- Magazines and Literature: His illustrations were a staple in major publications such as The Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and Harper’s Bazaar. He also provided art for books by renowned authors including Ernest Hemingway, Pearl S. Buck, and Edna Ferber.
- Commercial Advertising: He was a sought-after commercial artist, creating advertisements for iconic brands like Coca-Cola, General Motors, Palmolive, and Goodyear.
- Murals: In the 1920s, Cornwell transitioned toward mural painting, which he considered his "true vocation". He studied in London under Frank Brangwyn and eventually completed murals for over 20 public buildings.
Notable Works and Collections
Cornwell's legacy is preserved in several high-profile public and private collections.
- Los Angeles Public Library: His massive 40-foot by 40-foot mural in the Grand Rotunda depicts the history of California and took five years to complete.
- Rockefeller Center: He created murals for the Eastern Airlines lobby at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, celebrating the history of transportation.
- 1939 World's Fair: He painted a significant mural for the General Motors exhibition.
- The Warwick Hotel: His lush murals in the Raleigh Room depict the history of Sir Walter Raleigh.
- Postage Stamp: His 1953 cover for True magazine, featuring a riverboat, was later adapted into a U.S. postage stamp in 2001.
- Society of Illustrators: He served as president from 1922 to 1926 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1959.
- National Academy of Design: Elected as a full Academician in 1940.
- National Society of Mural Painters: He held the presidency from 1953 to 1957