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The portrait of member Hans Kindler (1892-1949), founding conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, was painted in 1940 and overlooks the parlor's Steinway grand piano, an instrument at the center of countless classical, popular, and jazz concerts performed in this intimate space.
Kindler was born in the Netherlands. A cellist, he performed with the Berlin Philharmonic and, after moving to America 1914, with the Philadelphia Orchestra. His exceptional skills not only placed him as first cello but propelled him into the role of conductor. After moving to Washington, he became a founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in 1931 (another founder was composer Mary Howe, also a Club member). He remained with the orchestra until shortly before his death in 1949. Kindler gave cello lessons at the Club for many years, and hosted post-concert receptions there, including one after the National Symphony’s first concert. He served as Club President in 1940, the year this portrait was done.
Illinois-born Joseph Cowell (1886-1968) led a full and admirable life. He began his art studies in 1908 at the Art Student’s League of New York, and then at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, before moving overseas to study at the County Council School of Arts and Crafts in London, and then at the Académie Julian in Paris. Cowell was drafted into the First World War and afterward suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His painting became a conduit for the release of his stress and grief. After returning to America in the 1920s, he became an instructor at the Massachusetts School of Art, and then the Associate Director at the Boston Designer’s Art School. In the 1930s, he became part of the Creative Therapy and Research Department at Boston State Hospital – no doubt motivated by his healing experiences with art after the War. In the 1940s, he returned to Washington, where he became director of the National Art School until 1942 before working for the Office of Strategic Services and the Navy Hydrographic Office. Cowell retired to New England, where he did some mural-painting, sculpting, and teaching in his final years. Cowell was also a notable designer of stained glass windows.