Robert Peckham (10 September 1785, Petersham, Massachusetts - 29 June 1877, Westminster, Massachusetts) was an American painter in the folk art tradition; known primarily for his portraits of children. He is often referred to as Deacon Peckham. Nothing is known of his childhood. In 1813, he married Ruth Sawyer of Boston. To accommodate their growing family, which eventually numbered nine children, they settled in Westminster in 1821. He studied with Ethan Allen Greenwood in 1809. He is known for his portraits of children from families that both created and enjoyed the burgeoning wealth of consumer goods in antebellum New England, a number of which are held at the National Gallery of Art. He was a Radical Abolitionist and Temperance advocate. His work was largely ignored until art experts determined that his work was of significant artistic value.

Early Life and Influences

Deacon Robert Peckham, an American painter in the folk art tradition, was born on September 10, 1785, in Petersham, Massachusetts. Little is known about his childhood, but it is documented that he married Ruth Sawyer of Boston in 1813. This union led to a growing family, which eventually settled in Westminster in 1821.

Artistic Journey and Notable Works

Peckham's artistic journey began with lessons from Ethan Allen Greenwood in 1809, making him one of the few folk artists with formal training. Initially, he focused on sign painting and other workaday objects. However, by the 1830s and 1840s, Peckham had developed a unique style, capturing the essence of children's portraits in detailed domestic settings.

• The Hobby Horse (c. 1840), a seminal piece showcasing his skill in depicting children in intricate environments, is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection.
• The Raymond Children, another notable work, exemplifies Peckham's attention to compositional details and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
• Peckham's portraits, such as The Children of Oliver Adams, not only showcase his artistic prowess but also offer a glimpse into the lives of the emerging middle class in Massachusetts.

Museum Collections and Online Platforms

- National Gallery of Art features several of Peckham's works, including The Hobby Horse, which has been the subject of a focus exhibition. - WahooArt.com offers reproductions and prints on canvas of Peckham's paintings, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of his work.

Legacy and Abolitionist Stance

Peckham was not only a talented artist but also a Radical Abolitionist and Temperance advocate. His commitment to these causes led to his excommunication from the Congregational Church in 1850, though he was later reinstated in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation.

Conclusion

Deacon Robert Peckham's legacy extends beyond his captivating portraits of children. He stands as a testament to the power of art in reflecting societal values and advocating for change. His work, largely ignored until its recent rediscovery, now shines brightly in the annals of American folk art.

• For more on Peckham's life and works, visit WahooArt.com's Deacon Robert Peckham page.
• Explore the National Gallery of Art's collection to delve deeper into Peckham's portraits and their significance in American art history.

References:

- Robert Peckham (artist), Wikipedia - WahooArt.com: Deacon Robert Peckham

**Early Life and Training**

Robert Peckham, a prominent figure in American folk art, was born on September 10, 1785, in Petersham, Massachusetts. Little is known about his childhood, but it is documented that he married Ruth Sawyer of Boston in 1813. This union led to the birth of nine children, prompting the family's relocation to Westminster in 1821. Peckham's brief artistic training consisted of a few months under Ethan Allen Greenwood in 1809.

**Artistic Career and Notable Works**

Peckham's body of work is characterized by its focus on portraits of children, often from families who had amassed wealth during the antebellum period in New England. One of his most celebrated works, The Hobby Horse, showcases his unique style and has been extensively studied. This piece, along with several others, can be found in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, which has extensively featured Peckham's work. * **The Hobby Horse** (c. 1840): A captivating portrait of two children on a rocking horse, exemplifying Peckham's attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. * **The Children of Oliver Adams** (1831): A poignant family portrait that not only showcases Peckham's skill but also serves as a touching tribute to the family's deceased members.

**Abolitionist and Temperance Advocate**

Beyond his artistic contributions, Peckham was a Radical Abolitionist and Temperance advocate. His commitment to these causes is reflected in several of his works, including portraits of fellow abolitionists and antislavery advocates.

**Legacy and Rediscovery**

Peckham's work was largely overlooked until art experts recognized the significant artistic value of his paintings. Today, his contributions to American folk art are undeniable, with many of his pieces being part of esteemed collections, including those at WahooArt.com, which features an extensive collection of his works.

• The Hobby Horse and other notable pieces can be found on WahooArt.com.
• For more information on Peckham's abolitionist activities, see "Why Hand-Painted Art Matters: The Value of Authentic Brush Strokes in a Digital Age".

**Conclusion**

Deacon Robert Peckham's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of American folk art. His portraits, though once overlooked, now stand as vibrant examples of 19th-century American culture and society. As an artist, abolitionist, and temperance advocate, Peckham's influence extends far beyond the canvas, offering a unique window into the complexities of his time.