William Morris Hunt

Date of Birth: March 31, 1824

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 8, 1879

Biography

William Morris Hunt was a prominent American painter born on March 31, 1824, in Brattleboro, Vermont. He emerged as a leading figure in the 19th-century American art scene, known for his portraits, landscapes, and genre works. Hunt studied under Thomas Couture in Paris and brought back European influences to the United States, where he became a key advocate for the Barbizon School of painters. His style blended realism with a poetic sensibility, and he was instrumental in promoting the works of Jean-François Millet in America. Hunt’s influence extended beyond his paintings; he was also a respected teacher, shaping the next generation of American artists through his art schools in Boston. Hunt’s career was marked by both success and tragedy. He was a prolific artist, producing hundreds of works throughout his lifetime. However, he struggled with bouts of depression, particularly after the death of his wife, Louisa Dumaresq Perkins, in 1877. Hunt’s life came to a tragic end when he drowned in 1879 under circumstances that remain unclear, though many speculate it was a suicide.

5 Interesting Facts about William Morris Hunt

1. William Morris Hunt was initially trained in law before shifting his focus to art.

2. He was a key figure in introducing the Barbizon School’s techniques and philosophies to American artists.

3. Hunt was a pioneer of the Boston art scene, founding the first professional art school in the city.

4. He completed several large-scale public murals, including those in the New York State Capitol, though many have unfortunately been lost or destroyed.

5. Hunt’s brother, Richard Morris Hunt, was a renowned architect, further cementing the Hunt family’s legacy in American arts and architecture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Morris Hunt

1. “Art teaches you the philosophy of life, and if you work hard, you will be able to do something worth the doing.”

2. “The noblest art is that which excites the soul.”

3. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.”

4. “The artist’s world is boundless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.”

5. “To see, one must first open the eyes of the soul.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, William Morris Hunt’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to approximately $1 million in today’s dollars, though exact figures from his time are not well-documented.