Earl L. Stendahl

Earl L. Stendahl (December 11, 1888 – May 18, 1966) was a pioneering American art dealer known for promoting California Impressionism, modern and pre-Columbian art. The gallery he founded celebrated its centennial in 2011.

Early life Stendahl was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin. His parents were confectioners. By 1921, he moved his gallery to the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He maintained a gallery on Wilshire Boulevard until 1949, where he moved it to his house on Hillside Avenue.

He sold Mexican and Central American antiquities that were often stolen, looted, or assembled from disparate fragments. Often sold to Hollywood collectors, to museums, and even department stores.

Stendahl's archives were recently donated to the Getty. By studying the photos and records researchers can trace the history of Pre-Hispanic artworks of ceramic and stone that passed through Stendahl's gallery.

Personal life, death and legacy With his wife Enid, Stendahl had a son, Alfred, and a daughter, Mrs Eleanor E. Damman. They resided at 7055-65 Hillside Avenue in Hollywood, California.