Mechlin, Leila (1874–1949)

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Mechlin, Leila (1874–1949)

American art critic and editor. Born May 29, 1874, in Georgetown, Washington, DC; died May 6, 1949, in Washington, DC; dau. of Frederick Alexander Smith Mechlin (commission agent) and Cornelia Stout (Hyatt) Mechlin (painter); attended Corcoran School of Art.

The 1st major woman art critic in US, became a founder of American Federation of Arts (1909) and later secretary (1912–33); served as art critic for Washington Evening Star and Sunday Star (1900–45); established and edited American Magazine of Fine Arts (originally Art and Progress [1st edition 1909]); was early advocate of National Art Gallery in Washington, DC; elected fellow of Royal Society of Arts, London (1940).