Indeed.
There are quite a few artists who have been relegated to the somewhat “lesser” category of “Illustrator”. Funny thing is, I love their work!
Here are a few that have been branded by the “Art World” with this epithet:
Norman Rockwell
James Tissot
Maxfield Parrish
I don’t know if it is their style or the fact that their paintings end up “illustrating” books and periodicals, but “Illustration” is considered to be a different discipline than “Painting”. However, Illustrations, at least in the time of the aforementioned ARTISTS, start out as PAINTINGS.
Maybe it’s different now, as I am remembering Art School from 50 years ago. We “Illustrators” were quite often sneered at by the “Painters”. Has anyone else experienced that?
Since I majored in Graphic Design (pre-computer!) I was very aware of the distinction.
You would know, but I—along with so very many—LOVE Rockwell. Parrish is new to me; as you also know, I am an official Art Ignoramus.