Alice Pike Barney was a prominent American painter, born in 1857 and active in Washington, D.C. She worked tirelessly to establish the city as a center of arts, leaving an indelible mark on the art world. Her two daughters, Natalie Clifford Barney and Laura Clifford Barney, were also notable figures in their respective fields.

Early Life and Career

Born into a family of German Jewish and Dutch Christian descent, Alice Pike Barney's mother was of French origin. Her father, Samuel Napthali Pike, made his fortune as the distiller of Magnolia brand whiskey and was a patron of the arts in Cincinnati, Ohio. He built Pike's Opera House, which became a hub for cultural activities. Alice showed talent as a singer and pianist from a young age and was the youngest of four children. Alice's engagement to Henry Morton Stanley at 17 was met with disapproval due to their significant age difference. She eventually married Albert Clifford Barney, son of a wealthy railway car manufacturer in Dayton, Ohio. The couple spent the summer at New York's Long Beach Hotel, where they encountered Oscar Wilde, who inspired Alice to pursue art seriously.

Artistic Career and Contributions

Alice Pike Barney's artistic career spanned several decades, with her work showcasing a unique style and technique. She studied painting with Carolus-Duran in Paris and later with Claudio Castelucho. Her art began to show a Symbolist influence, and she became one of the first students of James Abbott McNeill Whistler's academie. Alice Pike Barney had solo shows at major galleries, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Many of her paintings are now in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She also invented and patented mechanical devices, wrote and performed in several plays and an opera, and worked to promote the arts in Washington, D.C.

Legacy and Impact

Alice Pike Barney's legacy extends beyond her artistic contributions. She was a pioneer for women artists, and her work helped to establish the Turak Gallery of American Art as a prominent institution. Her daughters, Natalie Clifford Barney and Laura Clifford Barney, were also influential figures in their respective fields. Alice Pike Barney's story is a testament to her dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her contributions to American art are undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. As a prominent figure in American art, Alice Pike Barney's work can be found on Turak Gallery of American Art and Alice Pike Barney page on WahooArt.com, where her paintings, such as In Shadow and Natalie at Seven, can be admired.

• Notable works: In Shadow, Natalie at Seven
• Museums: Corcoran Gallery of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Influences: Oscar Wilde, Carolus-Duran, Claudio Castelucho

Alice Pike Barney's life and work serve as an inspiration to artists, and her legacy continues to be celebrated through her art. Her contributions to the American art world are a testament to her dedication and perseverance, making her a prominent figure in the history of American art.

Alice Pike Barney, American painter, was a prominent figure in the development of American art. Born in 1857, she was active in Washington, D.C., and worked to make the city a center of the arts. Her two daughters, Natalie Clifford Barney and Laura Clifford Barney, were also notable figures in the art world.

Early Life and Education

Alice Pike Barney was born into a family of German and Dutch descent. Her father, Samuel Napthali Pike, was a successful distiller who built Pike's Opera House in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alice showed talent as a singer and pianist from a young age and was the only child to share her father's cultural interests.

Career

At 17, Alice became engaged to Henry Morton Stanley, but her mother considered the match unsuitable due to their age difference. Instead, she married Albert Clifford Barney, son of a wealthy manufacturer of railway cars in Dayton, Ohio. In 1882, Alice and her family spent the summer at New York's Long Beach Hotel, where she met Oscar Wilde. This meeting inspired her to pursue art seriously, despite her husband's disapproval. Alice studied painting with Carolus-Duran in Paris and later with Claudio Castelucho. She was one of the first students of James Abbott McNeill Whistler's academie. Her art began to show a Symbolist influence, and she became known for her portraits and landscapes.

Notable Works

Some of Alice's notable works include In Shadow, a stunning oil on canvas piece created in 1910, and Natalie at Seven, a beautiful portrait that captures the innocence and charm of childhood. Her paintings are now part of the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Important contributions to the art world, Alice Pike Barney's work has been recognized for its unique style and technique. She invented and patented mechanical devices, wrote and performed in several plays and an opera, and worked to promote the arts in Washington, D.C.

Legacy

Alice Pike Barney's legacy continues to be celebrated through her art and her contributions to the development of American art. Her work can be found in various museums, including the Turak Gallery of American Art and the Kirby Collection of Historical Paintings. As a pioneer of American art, Alice Pike Barney's story serves as an inspiration to artists and art enthusiasts alike.

• Turak Gallery of American Art (United States)
• Kirby Collection of Historical Paintings (United States)

Alice Pike Barney's life and work serve as a testament to her dedication to the arts, and her legacy continues to be celebrated through her contributions to American art.