MOUNT--Marshall Ward. 1927 - 2018, died November 25 of pancreatic cancer at home in Jersey City. He was a beautiful mischievous little boy; "zoot-suited" teenager covering NYC Jazz for high school paper; serious art history student at Columbia from the College through his PhD. In 1960, awarded a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship to do field research on post WWI African art. For over two years, he did that throughout sub-Saharan Africa during the dramatic period of national independence. His book "African Art: The Years Since 1920" was the first book on contemporary African art published in the United States. Marshall was an art history professor and Department Chair at Finch College, New York City and the University of Benin, Nigeria. He also taught at Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY) and Washington Square College (NYU), among other institutions. With an FIT George Dorsch Fellowship he spent several months researching traditional art in the cultural festivals of Cameroon's Grassfields leading to an exhibition/catalogue at the QCC Art Gallery (CUNY). In his 60 years teaching Western, African and other art traditions he inspired many students to become art historians and everyone he knew to see the world through a wider lens. His passion for African art - his knowledge, experience in Africa and use of his extensive personal collection - made him an exceptional teacher of the immense range, beauty, inventiveness and power of this art. Marshall also loved music (from Brahms to Zydeco and beyond), far flung travel, films, and cooking. His intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. He was generous, kind, funny, interested in everyone and maker of the best martinis! His bereft wife Caroline Katz Mount, son (from his previous marriage) Christopher (Stephanie) grandson Julian, will miss him always. A spring memorial is planned. Donations may be made to the African Wildlife Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His Wife Caroline.
As I read all the tributes I echo all of them. He was a real professor who shared his gift of educating with all of us. We shared the love of African Art and a great moment was seeing him at an opening of the Power of Dress at Newark Museum. After college I lived in Nigeria and there as well as all through my life there are reflections of the foundations of love, knowledge and appreciation of art instilled in me by Marshall Mount. I am blessed to have known him. My sympathy to his wonderful family
Barbara Pitney
January 19, 2019
Dr Marshall Mount was my Professor at Finch and he was a gift! He introduced me to art history in an amazing way that changed my life forever. He was a treasure & he will be missed.
Laura Larsen
January 7, 2019
He was a great teacher at Finch who taught scholarship along with just facts. He was important in the formation of my subsequent intellectual curiosity.
Stephanie Brody-lederman
January 5, 2019
For his Intro to History of Art course utilizing Janson's book at Finch College in 1969, I will be forever grateful to Dr. Mount for the wonderful time spent in his class and weekly seminars at the Met. There was no one more qualified.
Denise Mularoni Decker
January 4, 2019
As a freshman at Finch in 1969, I remember being in awe of his ability to make art come alive. He was an inspirational teacher.
Marie Cavanagh Munroe
January 4, 2019
Rest softly
Rosalie Van Cleef
January 4, 2019
Dr. Mount had a profound effect of me and my understanding and appreciation of art in general. I was not a art history major, but I hold so many memories of all he taught. He was a man with an astonishing scope of interests. I'm grateful for his influences on my life.
Catherine Caporossi Jamieson
January 4, 2019
Bravo for Marshall Mount!!! I went to aging for two years and he was the only reason I stayed and the only class I passed with flying colors cause he made it come alive,!!..Imagine at the time of Warhol and Jasper Johns And NYC in the swinging sixties! he taught me real HISTORY! Thank you for your talent!!!!
Blair Sabol
December 17, 2018
Marshall Mount was my art professor,also at Finch, and I never pass the Market Woman at the Met without remembering his wonderful explanation of the Greek to Roman slide from perfection to reality in art.
Carol Rinzler
December 16, 2018
Marshall Mount was my art history professor at Finch. I went in just thinking I would learn a little bit about art. Even now when I go to museums, I start to remember things I learned in class so many years ago. He was a great teacher.
Ellen Azaria
December 16, 2018
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more