Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996)
Lincoln Kirstein, co-founder of the New York City Ballet alongside George Balanchine, was a significant figure in dance and arts. Born in 1907, Kirstein's legacy extends beyond his contributions to ballet, encompassing his roles as a writer, impresario, and cultural advocate. While Kirstein's sexuality was not always openly discussed during his lifetime, he was indeed gay, a fact that became more widely acknowledged in later years.
Recommended Reading: Quarry A Collection in Lieu of Memoirs of Lincoln Kirstein | Mosaic Memoirs
Kirstein's journey through the arts was multifaceted, marked by pivotal moments that showcased both his artistic vision and his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation. In 1943, he was drafted, and his original intention was to gather and document art created by soldiers. However, fate had other plans for him as he was assigned to the U.S. Arts and Monuments Commission the following year.
His "vast store of knowledge was put to use tracking down works of art looted by the Nazis," as biographer Martin Duberman writes in The Worlds of Lincoln Kirstein. Kirstein, alongside architect Robert Posey, managed to find the Ghent Altarpiece, a 15th-century multipanel painting by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck, one of the most significant and most coveted pieces of religious art in the world. Kirstein's account of this discovery was documented in Town and Country magazine in 1945.
After the war, Kirstein returned to New York, where in 1946, he and Balanchine established the Ballet Society, later renamed the New York City Ballet. He served as the general director of the ballet company from 1946 to 1989. Kirstein's influence extended beyond the stage; he commissioned and helped finance the group's performance space, the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, designed by gay architect Philip Johnson.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of Kirstein's significance as a gay icon and pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community. His experiences as a gay man navigating the worlds of art and culture offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals who existed outside the societal norms of his time. By acknowledging Kirstein's sexuality, we can gain a deeper understanding of his life and work, as well as the broader historical context in which he lived.
In addition to his contributions to the dance world, Kirstein was a prolific writer, with poetry, criticism, diaries, and novels to his credit. He was deeply embedded in the artistic milieu of his time, knowing most of the significant art figures of his era, including Cecil Beaton, Jean Cocteau, and Gertrude Stein.
Kirstein's personal life was as vibrant and complex as his professional endeavors. He was romantically and sexually involved with numerous men over his lifetime, navigating both casual encounters and long-term relationships. However, he also had a long marriage to a woman, Fidelma Cadmus, the sister of artist Paul Cadmus, known for his erotically charged paintings and drawings of men. Kirstein's support for his brother-in-law, both financially and emotionally, underscores his commitment to nurturing artistic expression, even when it challenged societal norms.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of Kirstein's significance as a gay icon and pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community. His experiences as a gay man navigating the worlds of art and culture offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals outside his time's societal norms. By acknowledging Kirstein's sexuality, we can gain a deeper understanding of his life and work, as well as the broader historical context in which he lived.
In celebrating Kirstein's legacy, it's essential to recognize his artistic achievements and his courage in living authentically in a society that often sought to suppress or deny his identity. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in the arts and beyond.
Our Spartan Pride T-Shirts & Jersey Tanks
We're soldiers, scientists, politicians, business owners, artists & entertainers. We're fighters with a rich history of significant contributions to all our cultures. Our pride shirts display this, each with a name and the contributions of the individual. There is no shame in being LGBTQIA+ just an enormous celebration that you are authentic and fearless. "You've always been in good company." Walt & Pete
