Washington Allston
by Joseph Ames, 1840
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Washington Allston
b. Georgetown district, SC, November 3, 1779
d. Bridgeport, MA, July 9, 1843
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Poet, painter, novelist, and philosopher.
Allston is considered the first major American landscape painter and pioneer
of American art. He played a crucial role in the development
of American art. Called "The American Titian", some have termed Allston
a genius.
Largely responsible for introducing the romantic style of painting to the
United States.
Family has strong association with Newport. Allston's stepfather, Dr. Henry
Collins Flagg,
is a Newport native and member of the Ward family.
In 1787 the family leaves South Carolina for Newport due to its agreeable
climate and culture.
Allston lives in Newport approximately 10 years, considered to be among
the happiest of his life. Boards at 31 Clarke Street, now known as the
Admiral Farragut Inn.
Attends classical school, The Newport Academy, kept by Robert Rogers, which
once stood on present-day parking lot of John Clarke School. [Rogers served
Redwood Library (1812-1831) as secretary, librarian and treasurer.]
Receives his first instructions as a painter from Samuel King, grandfather
of Clarence King.
Befriends Gilbert Stuart, Edward G. Malbone (miniature painter), William
Ellery Channing.
Enters Harvard University in 1796; spends freshman year at the residence
of Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse.
After graduating from Harvard (class of 1800), he returns to Newport for
six months, courts Ann Channing, the sister of William Ellery Channing.
Makes last recorded visit to South Carolina before traveling to Europe;
sells his share in family property to finance study abroad.
Leaves with Malbone for England. Studies two years at the Royal Academy.
Travels extensively in Europe.
Returns to United States in 1808, settles in Boston, marries Ann Channing
in June, 1809. Sails for Europe following year. Ann dies in London in 1815.
Returns permanently to United States in 1818.
Notable acquisitions of Allston's paintings: The Pennsylvania Academy becomes
the first American museum to acquire a major painting, "The Dead Man Restored,"
in 1816. It was bought for $3500, which at the time, was the highest price
ever paid for a work of art by a painter of this country.
First gift to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston: "Elijah in the Desert"
in 1870.
Redwood Library has two Washington Allston portraits in its collection
- "Robert Rogers" (1799) and his mother "Rachael Moore Allston Flagg" (c.1809).
Bust of Washington Allston
by Richard Morell Staigg, 1840
Bibliography
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