David Joseph Herlihy: A Legacy of Renaissance Art History
David Joseph Herlihy was a distinguished scholar whose academic journey took him from the shores of San Francisco to the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Known for his rigorous research and passion for the Middle Ages and early modern Italy, Herlihy left an indelible mark on the field of art history through his publications and teaching.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born in 1930 in San Francisco, David Joseph Herlihy was the youngest of four children. His parents, Maurice Herlihy, an Irishman from County Kerry, and Irene O'Connor, an Irish American, had eloped in Los Gatos, California. During his youth, Herlihy developed a penchant for intellectual discourse as a member of his school's debating team, where he also met his future wife, Patricia McGahey, during his sophomore year.
Herlihy's academic brilliance was evident early on. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of San Francisco in just three years, earning straight As—an achievement noted by the journalist Herb Caen. His early scholarly interests were diverse; while in college, he published an article in the journal of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia focusing on Peter Yorke and the American Protective Association.
Advanced Studies and Specialization
To further his expertise, Herlihy studied Byzantine history—the study of the Eastern Roman Empire—at the Catholic University of America, earning his master's degree in 1953. He subsequently pursued a fellowship at Yale University, where he focused on the Middle Ages in Italy under the guidance of Robert Lopez. This period of intense study culminated in the awarding of his Ph.D. in 1956.
Professional Career and Research in Italy
Herlihy's professional life was characterized by a deep connection to Italy. Between 1954 and 1955, supported by the Fulbright Program, he lived in Pisa with his young family and his first son, Maurice. This experience laid the groundwork for his doctoral dissertation on Pisa, which was later published by Yale University Press in 1958 as Pisa in the Early Renaissance.
In 1955, Herlihy joined the faculty at Bryn Mawr, where he taught for nine years. His commitment to primary research continued with a Guggenheim Fellowship that took him to Florence from 1961 to 1962. During this time, his wife Patricia also resided in Florence under a Fulbright Association grant, though their stay was marked by a significant city flood.
From 1964 to 1972, Herlihy served on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he successfully earned tenure. He returned to Florence from 1966 to 1967 as a fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies, a trip that led to the production of his second major book, which focused on the city of Pistoia.
Academic Honors and Final Years
Throughout his career, Herlihy's contributions to the humanities were recognized by some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. He was elected as a member of both the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
David Joseph Herlihy passed away on February 21, 1991, at his home in Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 60.
Key Facts
- Education: Bachelor's from University of San Francisco; Master's from Catholic University of America; Ph.D. from Yale University.
- Major Works: Author of Pisa in the Early Renaissance (1958) and a subsequent volume on Pistoia.
- Fellowships: Recipient of Fulbright, Guggenheim, and American Council of Learned Societies fellowships.
- Academic Appointments: Taught at Bryn Mawr and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
- Memberships: Member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
| Period/Year | Institution/Location | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1950s | University of San Francisco | Bachelor's Degree (Straight As) |
| 1953 | Catholic University of America | Master's Degree in Byzantine History |
| 1954–1955 | Pisa, Italy | Fulbright Program Resident |
| 1956 | Yale University | Ph.D. Awarded |
| 1955–1964 | Bryn Mawr | Faculty Member |
| 1961–1962 | Florence, Italy | Guggenheim Fellow |
| 1964–1972 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | Tenured Faculty Member |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was David Joseph Herlihy's primary area of expertise?
Herlihy specialized in art history and the history of the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance in Italy, with specific scholarly focus on the cities of Pisa and Pistoia.
Which major books did David Joseph Herlihy publish?
His most notable works include Pisa in the Early Renaissance, published by Yale University Press in 1958, and a second book focusing on Pistoia.
Where did Herlihy pursue his higher education?
He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco, his master's from the Catholic University of America, and his Ph.D. from Yale University.
Which prestigious societies was he a member of?
He was a member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
How did the Fulbright Program influence his career?
The Fulbright Program allowed him to live in Pisa between 1954 and 1955, which provided the essential research and experience for his doctoral dissertation and first book.