Alfred Wordsworth Thompson Original 19th Century Antique American Maryland East Coast Marine Fine Art Oil Painting Seascape with Seagulls Birds Over Rocky Waves
Original, antique coastal seascape oil painting, by American artist, Alfred Wordsworth Thompson, (1840-1896).
Alfred Wordsworth Thompson, an American landscape and history painter, was born in Baltimore on May 26, 1840. Despite his initial plan to pursue a career in his father's law practice after completing his secondary education at Newton University, his passion for art prevailed. Just before the outbreak of the Civil War, he established his own art studio where he produced illustrations for Harper's Weekly and the Illustrated London News. His notable contributions to Harper's included a sketch of the abolitionist John Brown, whom he visited in prison. During the war, Thompson served as a special correspondent in Virginia before eventually leaving the position.
In 1868, Thompson made his way to Paris, where he stayed until 1868. He gained admission to the École des Beaux-Arts and studied under renowned artists such as Charles Gleyre, Alberto Pasini, and Émile Lambinet. Additionally, he honed his understanding of horse anatomy through studies with sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye. Thompson's talent was recognized when he exhibited a landscape at the Salon in 1865. Before returning home, he embarked on a journey that took him to Germany and Austria, followed by a walking tour from Heidelberg to Calabria.
Choosing to establish his studio in New York City, Thompson began exhibiting his works at the National Academy of Design. In 1875, he became a member of the Academy and went on to sell over 125 paintings there, with 40 of them depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War. Despite his success, Thompson joined the Society of American Artists in 1878 as a response to the conservative approach of the Academy.
Thompson married Mary Pumpelly in 1876 and continued his lifelong passion for travel. He explored countries such as Turkey, Morocco, and Spain. During the Reconstruction era in the 1870s, he took daring trips to Virginia and North Carolina, where he painted scenes depicting rural life. Some of these paintings were exhibited at the Brooklyn Art Association and the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
In his final years, Thompson lived in semi-retirement in Summit, New Jersey. Notable collections featuring his works can be found at the New York Historical Society, the Union League Club, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, and the Chrysler Museum of Art. His Civil War painting, "Cannonading on the Potomac," is part of the art collection at the White House.
Alfred Wordsworth Thompson passed away in Summit on August 28, 1896.
Alfred Wordsworth Thompson
(1840-1896)
American Artist
American Realism
East Coast Seascape, Coastal
Marine
Oil on thick paper, adhered to cardboard
Age estimated at approximately 1890.
Original Antique Frame, c. 1890
The painting measures approximately 9" X 13", plus the frame
In frame, the painting measures approximately 17.4" X 13.5"
There is light writing in graphite verso, and the painting is signed lower right of the painting. Please review images
The painting is in very good original condition. The painting has received no chemical cleanings or restorations. There is a small area in the middle that has some degraded paint. Please review the images.
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