About the Artist

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1897, Leland Curtis moved to Los Angeles in 1914, where he attended the Manual Arts High School. In 1917, he enlisted in the Armed Forces, then later began working as an illustrator. Curtis was chosen as the official artists to accompany Admiral Byrd on the United States Antarctical Expeditions in 1939-1941 and 1957. Best remembered for views of Antarctica done on these trips, Byrd created many fine works done while hiking through California's High Sierra Mountains. His paintings of California desert and mountain landscapes have been widely exhibited. Curtis earned national attention for his views of the South Pole when they were featured in a Life magazine article (7/8/1940).