James Beck nasceu o 14 de maio de 1930 em New Rochelle, Nova York, EUA. Foi casado com Darma. Morreu o 26 de maio de 2007 em Nova Iorque, Nova Iorque, EUA.
Was a Columbia University art historian who became well known as a
critic of what he viewed as the ruinous conservation of world
masterpieces, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.