John Vanderlyn was an American neoclassicist painter, born on October 15, 1775, in Kingston, New York. He was the grandson of colonial portrait painter Pieter Vanderlyn. Vanderlyn's artistic career was shaped by his early experiences, including his employment by a print-seller in New York and his instruction in art by Archibald Robinson, a Scotsman who later became one of the directors of the American Academy of the Fine Arts.
Early Career and Training
Vanderlyn's early training included copying portraits by
Gilbert Stuart, a prominent American portrait painter. He also spent time in the studio of Stuart, where he developed his skills in portraiture. In 1796, Vanderlyn was sent to Paris by
Aaron Burr, where he studied for five years. This period in Paris had a significant impact on Vanderlyn's artistic style, as he was exposed to the works of French neoclassicist painters.
Notable Works and Achievements
Vanderlyn's notable works include
The Landing of Columbus, which was commissioned by Congress in 1842. This painting is now housed at the
United States Capitol. He also painted portraits of prominent figures, such as
James Monroe,
John C. Calhoun, and
George Washington. Vanderlyn's work can be found in various museums, including the
Worcester Art Museum and the
Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Neoclassicism: Vanderlyn's artistic style was characterized by its adherence to neoclassicist principles, which emphasized the use of classical forms and themes.
- Portraiture: Vanderlyn was a skilled portrait painter, and his works include many notable examples of this genre.
- Historical Paintings: Vanderlyn's paintings often depicted historical events and figures, demonstrating his interest in recording and interpreting the past.
Legacy and Influence
Vanderlyn's legacy as a neoclassicist painter is evident in his contributions to the development of American art. His work can be seen in the context of the Neo-Classicism movement, which sought to revive classical forms and themes in art. Vanderlyn's paintings are now housed in various museums, including the
New York Historical Society and the
Wadsworth Athenaeum. For more information on Vanderlyn's life and work, visit
John Vanderlyn's page on WahooArt.com or
his Wikipedia page.
You can also explore
WahooArt's collection of oil paintings reproductions and
museum reproductions to learn more about the artist and his contemporaries.