Frank Getlein

Background

Frank R. Getlein was born on March 6, 1921, in Ansonia, Connecticut, United States. Joseph Getlein and Edward Getlein are Frank's brothers.

Education

Frank graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, where he majored in History and English Literature. After World War II, he received a master's degree in drama from the Catholic University of America.

Career

During World War II, Frank was a corporal in the Army infantry in North Africa and Italy. From the late 1940's through the 1950's, he acted as a college teacher in Iowa and Connecticut, a foundation executive in New York and a public relations executive and newspaper reporter in Milwaukee.

During the period from 1959 till 1968, Frank served as an art critic for the "New Republic" magazine and also wrote critiques and editorials for the Washington Evening Star during the period from 1961 to 1976. Over the years, he wrote for numerous other magazines.

In 1976 and 1977, Getlein co-hosted a cultural affairs program, called "7:30 Live", on what was later known as WJLA-TV (Channel 7). For several years, he also did art and theater reviews on National Public Radio.

In 1977, after a year as a fellow in the communications program at Duke University, Getlein was appointed deputy staff director of the House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, where he worked with Henry S. Reuss, his friend.

In the 1970's and 1980's, Frank traveled to Europe, Latin America, Africa and India to discuss American culture under the auspices of the old United States Information Agency.

As for his writing career, Frank's first book, published in 1959 with his wife Dorothy Getlein, was "Christianity in Art". Some of his later works include his 1961 "Modern Demonology", his critically acclaimed 1971 "Playing Soldier" and his 1981 "Twenty-five Impressionist Masterpieces". His other books included "The Bite of the Print", "Mary Cassatt" and "The Trouble With Catholics". Moreover, Getlein produced a number of coffee table art books. It's worth noting, that he also contributed a number of articles to publications, such as "American Scholar" and others.

In addition, Getlein lectured at such institutions, as St. Ambrose College in Iowa (present-day St. Ambrose University), helped arrange art shows for the Pan American Union and acted as a judge at regional art shows.

Achievements

• Frank R. Getlein was a noted art critic and author of more than 30 books on topics, ranging from contemporary culture to the painter Mary Cassatt.
  
  Frank was awarded the Purple Heart for his military service.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Twenty-five Impressionist Masterpieces

    (This work presents reproductions of paintings by Manet, R...)

    1981
  • Mary Cassatt: Paintings and Prints

    (Mary Cassatt's paintings and prints have long been treasu...)

    1980
  • Christianity in Art 1959
  • A Modern Demonology 1961
  • Playing Soldier 1971
  • The Bite of the Print 1963
  • The Trouble with Catholics 1964
  • Christianity in Modern Art 1961
  • Chaim Gross 1974

Membership

Frank was a member of the Cosmos Club and the National Press Club.

Connections

Dorothy Woollen Getlein, who died in 1965, was Frank's first wife. Their marriage produced five children - Christine Getlein, Stephen P. Getlein, William P. Getlein, Mary W. Getlein and Karl R. Getlein. Jean Franklin Getlein was Frank's second wife.

child:

Christine Getlein

child:

Stephen P. Getlein

child:

William P. Getlein

child:

Mary W. Getlein

child:

Karl R. Getlein

late wife:

Dorothy Woollen Getlein

Wife:

Jean Franklin Getlein

Brother:

Joseph Getlein

Brother:

Edward Getlein

Friend:

Henry S. Reuss