Amalie Rothschild, MICA ’34, was a painter, sculptor, and printmaker whose life and work were deeply intertwined with Baltimore and with MICA. A graduate of MICA’s fashion illustration program, Rothschild maintained a lasting relationship with the College not only as an alumna, but also later as a trustee and supporter of its artistic community.

Born Amalie Getta Rosenfeld in 1916, Rothschild studied commercial art and fashion illustration at MICA, then known as the Maryland Institute. She graduated with honors in 1934 and went on to continue her studies briefly at Parsons in New York. Although she was offered the opportunity to study in Paris, she returned to Baltimore, where she built a remarkable career and became one of the region’s most important artists.

Rothschild is best known for her abstract geometric paintings and sculptures, working in materials that included Plexiglas, aluminum, bronze, bark, handmade cast paper, and particle board. Across decades of experimentation, she developed a body of work that was both formally innovative and personally resonant, often reflecting the tension between artistic ambition and the responsibilities of family life. Her career spanned painting, sculpture, printmaking, and works on paper, leaving behind an expansive legacy of approximately 1,400 works.

Her impact extended well beyond her own studio. Rothschild played a major role in shaping Baltimore’s cultural landscape, founding the Baltimore Outdoor Art Festival in 1953, co-founding Gallery One, and helping establish Maryland Art Place. She also served as president of the Maryland Artists’ Union, taught at Goucher College and the Metropolitan School of Art, and supported younger artists throughout her career.

Her affiliation with MICA remained significant throughout her life. In addition to being recognized as a notable alumna, Rothschild served on the College’s board and contributed to its broader artistic mission. Her connection to the institution was also honored through the Amalie Rothschild ’34 Residency Series, funded in her honor and focused on interdisciplinary inquiry, including themes such as art and science.

Amalie Rothschild’s legacy at MICA is one of artistic excellence, institutional service, and enduring commitment to Baltimore’s creative life. Her story reflects the lasting influence an artist can have not only through her work, but through the communities and institutions she helps shape.