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Biography
Who was Martin Johnson Heade?
Born in Lumberville, United States
1819
Died in St. Augustine, United States
1904
Age at death
85
Works on this page
12
Museums to visit
7
Martin Johnson Heade (August 11, 1819 – September 4, 1904) was an American painter known for his salt marsh landscapes, seascapes, and depictions of hummingbirds, often depicted with orchids, as well as lotus blossoms and other still lifes. His painting style and subject matter, while derived from the romanticism of the time, are regarded by art historians as a significant departure from those of his peers. Heade was born in Lumberville, Pennsylvania, the son of a storekeeper.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The life and work of Martin Johnson Heade
Martin Johnson Heade was born in Lumberville in Pennsylvania and studied portrait painting under the Quaker artists Edward and Thomas Hicks. He travelled widely for a number of years supporting himself as a professional portrait artist.
Having moved to New York in the 1850s Heade soon moved away from portraits turning to landscape scenes instead. He was particularly interested in experimenting with the effects of coloured light upon a painting, a concern shared with artists such as John C. Kensett, Fritz Hugh Lane and Sanford Gifford. The Luminist School of Painting as it was called was a popular movement at the time and can be seen as a key stage in the development towards Impressionism.
In 1863 Heade moved to Brazil, drawn to the country by its magnificent light. He produced a large number of flower paintings particularly favouring magnolias and orchards, as well as studies of birds, all done in the Luminist style. Returning to the United States in 1885 Heade settled in Florida where he continued painting seascapes until his death.
What are Martin Johnson Heade's most famous works?
Well-known works by Martin Johnson Heade include Sunset, Haywagon in the Distance, Approaching Thunder Storm, Giant Magnolias on a Blue Velvet Cloth, Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds and Sunlight and Shadow: The Newbury Marshes.
Where can I see Martin Johnson Heade's art?
Museums holding the works on this page include National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.); Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Boston); Birmingham Museum of Art (Birmingham); Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York); Timken Museum of Art (San Diego). Check with each museum that a work is on display before you visit.
