Art dealer Kurt Schon, 94, dies; funeral Wed.
KURT ERNST SCHON, an internationally renowned art dealer who had been a part of the French Quarter art scene for more than 50 years, died on Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 12 at his Vieux Carré home. He was 94.
Together with his wife, Schon created the largest gallery of 19th century art in the South. Schon followed in the tradition of other famous art dealers like British collectors Ernest Gambart and Joseph Duveen, advocating for Americans to acquire “the best of the best” of 19th century European art. Many of his pieces were shown at some of the most prestigious museums in America including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
More than anything else, Schon believed in America and its promise that with hard work anyone can achieve anything.Born in Vienna Austria on January 5, 1922, . He attended the Therasanium Academy in Vienna before he immigrated with his family in 1941 at age 19. Later he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before he returned to the adopted home of New Orleans that he came to love. Known by his signature Homburg hat, Schon claimed that “had he not found New Orleans, he could have soon returned to Austria”.
With a generosity in spirit, Schon embarked on a career that included his promotion of of post-World War Il, French, English, German and Austrian art. He was recognized for stirring a revival of 19th century art, philosophizing that one should “always buy what you love.” Schon was an indomitable figure, who worked solidly until less than a week before he expired.
He and his wife created the Schon Foundation to support the many charities they believed in, including the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). He insisted that “people were the torchbearers of the legacy of art which was meant to be loved, enjoyed and preserved for future generations.”
Schon was also a renowned advocate for historic renovation in the French Quarter and owned and maintained several properties there. Schon had several galleries he ran in the French Quarter, but his main store was located at 512 St. Louis Street.
A longtime member of Shir Chadash Conservative Syangogue, he was married for 63 years to his wife Anita (née Novak) Schon, who survives him. While the couple did not have any children, Schon is survived by his daughter Sylvia from an earlier marriage, two granddaughters, five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
A graveside funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 12:00 noon at Jewish Burial Rights Cemetery, 4321 Frenchmen St. Rabbi Deborah Silver will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and St. Michael’s Special School.
