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William-Lamb Picknell Biography
William Lamb Picknell was an American painter whose work captured the essence of landscapes, coastal views, and figure genres with a distinctive rapid painting style that garnered him recognition in the art world of the late 19th century. Born on October 23, 1853, in Hinesburg, Vermont, Picknell was the son of Ellen Maria Upham and the Reverend William Lamb Picknell, a Baptist minister. His New England family background was steeped in the cultural and religious traditions of the region, which would later influence his artistic sensibilities.
Tragedy struck early in Picknell's life when he was orphaned at the age of fourteen. Following the death of his father, he moved to Chelsea, Massachusetts, to live with family members. His initial foray into the world of art was modest; he began by working in a Boston frame shop. Despite his family's discouragement of his pursuit of art, Picknell's passion for painting could not be quelled.
In 1872, at the age of nineteen, Picknell embarked on a journey that would shape his career as an artist. He traveled to Europe, where he sought to refine his skills and absorb the rich artistic traditions of the continent. His education in art began in earnest when he trained with Jean-Léon Gérôme in Rome between 1874 and 1875. Gérôme, a prominent figure in the French academic painting tradition, provided Picknell with a solid foundation in the techniques and principles of fine art. Additionally, Picknell received informal training from Robert Wylie in Brittany, who influenced him greatly by emphasizing the importance of truthful representation in art.
Throughout the 1880s, Picknell established himself in Waltham, Massachusetts, but his adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively. He spent two winters in England and visited various parts of the United States, including Florida and California. His travels also took him to Moret-sur-Loing, on the edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau, where he spent most of the 1890s. The French countryside, with its serene beauty and rustic charm, became a significant source of inspiration for his work. During the winters, he often stayed in the south of France, soaking in the region's unique light and atmosphere, which would become a hallmark of his paintings.
Picknell's work was characterized by a balance of fidelity to his subjects and a poetic atmosphere, often bathing scenes in ethereal light. This approach was influenced by the Barbizon and Realist movements, which sought to depict the natural world and everyday life with honesty and without idealization. His notable works include "The Road to Concarneau" (1880), "Lobster Fisherman" (1882), "Lande de Kerran, Finistere" (1877), and "Morning on the Loing at Moret" (circa 1895). These paintings reflect his ability to capture the essence of a place while also imbuing it with a sense of the sublime.
Recognition for his talent came in the form of several honors. He received an Honorable Mention at the Paris Salon in 1880 for "The Road to Concarneau." He was also a member of the Society of American Artists, an Associate of the National Academy of Design, and a member of the Society of British Artists.
Sadly, Picknell's life was cut short when he died of heart failure in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on August 8, 1897, at the age of 43. Despite his relatively brief career, his legacy endures through his paintings, which continue to be celebrated for their luminous quality and truthful representation of the natural world. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and continue to be admired by art enthusiasts and collectors alike. William Lamb Picknell remains a significant figure in American art history, representing the bridge between European academic painting and the burgeoning American art scene of his time.
William-Lamb Picknell Quotes
and Sales of Works
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