Washington Allston

Date of Birth: November 5, 1779

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 9, 1843

Biography

Washington Allston was an influential American painter and poet, often referred to as “the American Titian” for his vibrant use of color. Born in Georgetown, South Carolina, Allston pursued his education at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1800. He then traveled to Europe to further his artistic studies, spending significant time in London, Paris, and Rome. His works often explored themes of romanticism and were highly regarded for their innovative use of light and color. Allston was known not only for his landscape and historical paintings but also for his literary contributions, including poetry and essays on art. Throughout his career, he mentored several younger artists and left a lasting impact on American art.

5 Interesting Facts about Washington Allston

1. Washington Allston was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.

2. He studied under the renowned painter Benjamin West during his time in London.

3. Allston’s painting, “Elijah in the Desert,” won him the first prize at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1810.

4. He was a close friend of the famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

5. Allston’s work “The Dead Man Restored to Life by Touching the Bones of the Prophet Elisha” is considered one of the masterpieces of American art.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Washington Allston

1. “Art is the expression of the invisible by means of the visible.”

2. “Genius is the power of carrying the feelings of childhood into the powers of manhood.”

3. “Imagination is the air of mind.”

4. “The painter who is not a poet is no painter.”

5. “To live is not merely to breathe; it is to act.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Washington Allston did not achieve substantial financial success during his lifetime, but his works have fetched significant sums posthumously. The highest net worth attributed to his artworks collectively exceeds several million dollars.