John Frederick Kensett (1816 - 1872)
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John Frederick Kensett was an American artist and engraver who was born in New York City. While attending school at Cheshire Academy, Kensett also studied engraving with his father, Thomas Kensett, and uncle, Alfred Dagget. He worked as a bank note engraver in New York City. In 1840, Kensett traveled to Europe to study painting and refine his artistic talents. During this time, Kensett was introduced to and influenced by the 17th century Dutch landscape style of painting. After returning to New York to establish his studio, Kensett worked diligently on seascapes and landscapes that are most closely associated with the Hudson River School's "second generation" of painters. However, gradually, his style evolved from the Hudson River School to the Luminist style of painting, which was characterized by the emphasis of atmospheric light through invisible brushstrokes.
In 1851, Kensett painted Mount Washington, an iconic piece of White Mountain art. A prime example of one of his most successful luminist seascapes, Eaton's Neck, Long Island (1872), is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Additionally, Kensett was a full member of the National Academy of Design, founder and president of the Artists' Fund Society, and founder and trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1851, Kensett painted Mount Washington, an iconic piece of White Mountain art. A prime example of one of his most successful luminist seascapes, Eaton's Neck, Long Island (1872), is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Additionally, Kensett was a full member of the National Academy of Design, founder and president of the Artists' Fund Society, and founder and trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.