William Morris Hunt
William Morris Hunt
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Morris Hunt was an American painter and sculptor of the 19th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 31, 1824, in Brattleboro, Vermont, he passed away on September 8, 1879.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hunt held dual citizenship as a naturalized French citizen and an American. He was a painter and sculptor by profession.
Early Life and Background
William Morris Hunt grew up in a family of modest means in Brattleboro, Vermont. His father was a merchant, and his mother, a strong influence on his artistic inclinations, encouraged his early interest in drawing. In 1838, the family moved to Boston, where he attended school and began studying art seriously under local artists.
Early Training
After completing his education, Hunt traveled to Europe in 1844 to further develop his artistic skills. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris with French master artist François Gérard, focusing on historical painting techniques. His time in France significantly influenced his work, particularly in terms of composition and perspective.
Major Accomplishments
During his career, Hunt achieved several notable milestones:
Prolific painter: He produced a large body of work, including landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings.
Influence on American art: Hunt's time spent abroad had a lasting impact on the development of American art. His exposure to European techniques and styles helped shape the country's artistic identity.
Professor at MIT: In 1864, he was appointed as a professor of painting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he taught for over ten years.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Hunt's most notable works include:
The Dream (1871): A powerful depiction of the human psyche, showcasing his skill in capturing light and emotion.
The Fisherman (1866): A poignant portrayal of a solitary figure, exemplifying his ability to convey depth through simplicity.Impact and Legacy
William Morris Hunt's contributions to American art are multifaceted:
Pioneering artist: He played a crucial role in establishing the Boston School of Art, paving the way for future generations.
* Influence on other artists: His students, including notable figures like John LaFarge and Thomas Wilmer Dewing, went on to make significant contributions to American art.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hunt's quotes offer insights into his artistic philosophy:
> "The artist must study nature, listen to her counsel, learn from her lessons, and be inspired by her beauty."
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> "Art is not merely an imitation of life but a higher reality that transcends mere representation."
His legacy extends beyond his own work, as he helped shape the American art landscape through his innovative techniques, teaching, and artistic philosophy.
Quotes by William Morris Hunt
There is force and vitality in a first sketch from life which the after-work rarely has. You want a picture to seize you as forcibly as if a man had seized you by the shoulder! It should impress you like reality!
It’s impossible to make a picture without values. Values are the basis. If they are not, tell me what is the basis.
It gives a fellow an awful shiver to hear the first shovelful of dirt and gravel rattle down upon the coffin; but after it is covered, it falls gently and makes no sound. The feeling of rest is perfect. There’s no more nagging, no more pain!
Most of us live for the critic, and he lives on us. He doesn’t sacrifice himself. He gets so much a line for writing a criticism. If the birds should read the newspapers, they would all take to changing their notes. The parrots would exchange with the nightingales, and what a farce it would be!
I tell you it’s no joke to paint a portrait. I wonder that I am not more timid when I begin. I feel almost certain that I can do it. It seems very simple. I don’t think of the time that is sure to come when I almost despair, when the whole thing seems hopeless.
Don’t put needless expense into painting a head! Don’t try to match tints! Rose and pearly colours blend into each other so that no one can unite them if painted separately. Keep the impression of your subject as one thing!
There’s lots of fun in this world, after all. And if there isn’t, there is in the next. And we’re going there, sure.
Painting is the only universal language. All nature is creation’s picture book. Painting alone can describe every thing which can be seen, and suggest every emotion which can be felt. Art reaches back into the babyhood of time, and is man’s only lasting monument.