Martin Johnson Heade (August 11, 1819 – September 4, 1904) was an American painter known for his depictions of landscapes, seascapes, and still life, particularly his detailed and luminous paintings of birds and flowers. He was associated with both the Hudson River School and the Luminist movement. Here are some key points about Martin Johnson Heade:**Key Points about Martin Johnson Heade:**1. **Early Life and Training:** - Heade was born in Lumberville, Pennsylvania. - He initially studied under Edward Hicks, a folk artist known for his "Peaceable Kingdom" paintings, and later received training in Europe.2. **Artistic Style:** - Heade's style evolved over his career, but he is best known for his luminist landscapes and detailed still lifes, especially those featuring hummingbirds and orchids. - Luminism, characterized by the use of light and atmospheric effects, was a style associated with the Hudson River School.3. **Hudson River School and Luminism:** - Heade was associated with the Hudson River School, a group of American landscape painters who celebrated the beauty of the American wilderness. - His luminist paintings often depicted serene landscapes, quiet marshes, and calm waters, emphasizing the effects of light and creating a sense of tranquility.4. **Floral and Ornithological Paintings:** - Heade was passionate about ornithology (the study of birds) and entomology (the study of insects), which influenced his detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of hummingbirds and orchids. - His series of paintings featuring hummingbirds and tropical flowers are celebrated for their precision and vibrant colors.5. **Travel and Inspiration:** - Heade traveled extensively throughout his life, visiting locations such as South America and the Caribbean. These travels influenced his choice of subjects, especially exotic birds and tropical landscapes.6. **Recognition and Success:** - Heade's work gained recognition over time, and he exhibited at major venues, including the National Academy of Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. - Despite his contributions, Heade did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries during his lifetime.7. **Legacy:** - Martin Johnson Heade's work gained renewed appreciation in the late 20th century. His paintings are now highly regarded for their meticulous detail, luminous quality, and scientific accuracy. - His still lifes and landscapes, particularly those featuring hummingbirds and flowers, are considered masterpieces of American art.Martin Johnson Heade's unique contributions to American art, combining elements of the Hudson River School and Luminism with his passion for natural history, make him a distinctive figure in the 19th-century American art landscape.
Measures 40 x 23.25.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.