Early Life and Training

Martin Johnson Heade, an American painter, was born on August 11, 1819, in Lumberville, Pennsylvania. His early life was marked by a strong inclination towards art, which led him to study under the tutelage of Edward Hicks and possibly Thomas Hicks. This foundational training laid the groundwork for his future artistic endeavors.

Artistic Career

Heade's artistic career can be broadly categorized into several phases, each marked by a distinct shift in his subject matter and style. Initially, he focused on portraiture, with his earliest known work being a portrait from 1839. Following this, he traveled to Europe, where he was exposed to various artistic influences.

• Heade's work began to show a marked interest in landscape painting, particularly after meeting artists of the Hudson River School, such as John Frederick Kensett and Benjamin Champney.
• His travels to Brazil (1863-1864) and subsequent trips to Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, and Jamaica (1866 and 1870) deeply influenced his work, leading to a series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds.
• Heade's later years in St. Augustine, Florida, were marked by an increased focus on still life, particularly magnolia blossoms laid on velvet cloth.

Notable Works and Style

Martin Johnson Heade's style is characterized by a romantic approach to his subjects, often focusing on the interplay of light and shadow. His most renowned works include depictions of New England's coastal salt marshes, which have led some historians to categorize him as a Luminist painter.

• Heade's work is now part of major museums and collections, including the Martin Johnson Heade's collection at https://WahooArt.com/@/Martin-Johnson-Heide.
• Some of his notable paintings, such as forked tailed woodnymph, can be found in the collection at WahooArt.
• For more information on Heade's life and work, visit Wikipedia's page on Martin Johnson Heade.

Legacy

Despite not being widely known during his lifetime, Martin Johnson Heade's work has attracted the attention of scholars and collectors since the 1940s. Today, he is recognized as a major American artist, with his paintings occasionally discovered in unexpected places like garage sales and flea markets. Key Points: * Born: August 11, 1819, Lumberville, Pennsylvania * Died: September 4, 1904 * Notable works: Salt marsh landscapes, seascapes, depictions of tropical birds, lotus blossoms, and still lifes * Style: Romantic approach with a focus on light and shadow, categorized as a Luminist painter * Collections: Major museums and the Martin Johnson Heade collection at WahooArt