Early Life and Education
Asher Brown Durand was born on August 21, 1796, in Maplewood, New Jersey. He was the eighth of eleven children born to John Durand and his wife, Lucy Macy Durand. From a young age, Asher showed a talent for drawing and painting, and his parents encouraged his artistic pursuits.
Durand received his formal education at the Columbia Grammar School in New York City. After completing his studies, he began working as an apprentice to an engraver, where he honed his skills in the art of printmaking. This experience would later prove invaluable in his career as a painter.
Early Career as an Engraver
After completing his apprenticeship, Durand established himself as a successful engraver, producing prints for books, magazines, and newspapers. His work was highly sought after for its precision and attention to detail. Durand’s reputation as an engraver grew rapidly, and he soon became known as one of the best in his field.
Transition to Painting
Despite his success as an engraver, Durand’s true passion lay in painting. He began to experiment with oils and watercolors, focusing on landscapes and nature scenes. In 1835, he made the decision to leave engraving behind and pursue painting full-time.
Durand’s transition to painting was met with great success. His early works were well-received by critics and the public alike, earning him a reputation as a talented and innovative artist. Durand’s unique style combined elements of the Hudson River School with his own vision of American landscape painting.
The Hudson River School
Durand was a founding member of the Hudson River School, a group of artists who were inspired by the natural beauty of the American landscape. The Hudson River School painters sought to capture the grandeur and majesty of the country’s wilderness in their works, often depicting scenes of mountains, rivers, and forests.
Durand’s paintings were characterized by their meticulous attention to detail and their use of light and shadow to create depth and atmosphere. His landscapes were infused with a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty of nature.
Influence on American Art
Durand’s influence on American art cannot be overstated. He played a crucial role in shaping the development of landscape painting in the United States, inspiring generations of artists to explore the natural world around them. Durand’s work helped to establish a distinctly American style of painting that celebrated the country’s unique landscapes and wilderness.
Many of Durand’s contemporaries considered him to be the preeminent landscape painter of his time. His paintings were praised for their technical skill, emotional depth, and spiritual resonance. Durand’s work had a profound impact on the art world, influencing artists such as Frederic Edwin Church, Thomas Cole, and Albert Bierstadt.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Durand continued to paint prolifically, producing some of his most iconic works. He also served as president of the National Academy of Design from 1845 to 1861, where he played a key role in promoting American art and artists.
Durand passed away on September 17, 1886, in Maplewood, New Jersey. He was laid to rest at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Durand’s legacy lives on through his paintings, which continue to be admired for their beauty and craftsmanship.
Family Life
Durand was married to Lucy Maria Baldwin in 1827, with whom he had three daughters: Lucy Maria Durand, Eliza B. Durand, and Caroline Durand. His family provided him with love and support throughout his career, allowing him to focus on his artistic pursuits without distraction.
Artistic Style
Durand’s artistic style was characterized by its attention to detail, its use of light and shadow, and its emphasis on natural beauty. He had a keen eye for capturing the subtle nuances of the American landscape, from the play of sunlight on water to the texture of tree bark.
Durand’s paintings often featured sweeping vistas of mountains, rivers, and forests, rendered with a sense of awe and reverence for nature. His work reflected a deep appreciation for the wilderness and its power to inspire wonder and contemplation.
Notable Works
Some of Durand’s most famous works include “Kindred Spirits,” “Progress (The Advance Of Civilization),” and “The Catskills.” These paintings exemplify his mastery of light and composition, as well as his ability to evoke emotion through his depictions of nature.
“Kindred Spirits,” painted in 1849 as a tribute to Thomas Cole after his death, is considered one of Durand’s masterpieces. The painting depicts Cole and poet William Cullen Bryant standing on a rocky ledge overlooking Kaaterskill Falls in upstate New York. The scene captures the friendship between the two men and their shared love for nature.
