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Louise Altson (1910-2010)
artist Louise Altson circa 1951 (photo courtesy and © the Altson family) This was originally written as a short obituary for Roy Thomas' ALTER EGO Magazine. I then decided to expand it into a career spanning Timely article to cover her comic book work in much more deserved detail, detail that a short printed obituary could not provide. The world of fine art and golden-age Timely comic books lost a wonderful talent recently when artist Louise Altson passed away at Abbey Delray South, in Delray Beach, FL on March 9th, 2010 at the age of 99. Most of the non-comics personal biographical data that follows comes from her obituary in the Palm Beach Post that ran from March 16 to March 21, 2010 : Renowned portrait artist, Louise VandenBergh Altson ('Weeze'), 99, of Delray Beach, FL passed away on Tuesday March 9th at Abbey Delray South, where she resided for many years. Mrs. Altson was born on July 4, 1910 in Antwerp, Belgium, the daughter of Alphonse and Louise VandenBergh. She began her professional training at the age of 12 with well known artist Leon Brunin, a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. She later studied at the Polytechnic School of Art in London, England, where she specialized in portrait painting and figure composition, winning several scholarships and the gold medal of merit. She was accepted to exhibit for several consecutive years at the Royal Academy in London before coming to the United States in 1939. Settling in New York City with her family, Mrs Altson began her career by illustrating children's books, comic books, and magazines. Associated with Portraits Inc. of New York since 1948, her portraits and portrait groups included the families of President George and Barbara Bush, Tommy Dorsey, the DuPonts, and the Woolworth family. Her ability to secure a true and sympathetic likeness, made her an outstanding figure in the field of contemporary portraiture. Louise trusted God daily for artistic guidance and inspiration. She shared her artistic talent through her portrait work throughout the United States. She had a love and passion for her art, her family, and life; she was always ready for the next party. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, who were honored to have her for so many years.