John Frederick Kensett
John Frederick Kensett (1816–1872) was an American landscape painter and engraver, best known for his involvement in the Hudson River School, a mid-19th-century art movement that celebrated the natural beauty of the American landscape. Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, Kensett initially trained as an engraver before traveling to Europe to study painting. His time in Europe influenced his style, but it was his return to the United States that solidified his focus on the American wilderness, particularly the serene and luminous landscapes that would define his career.
Kensett's work is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail and a sense of calm and clarity. He became particularly known for his "luminist" style, where he emphasized the effects of light and atmosphere on water and land. His paintings often featured tranquil bodies of water, such as lakes and coastal scenes, where the light is soft and the mood contemplative. Among his most famous works are Lake George (1869) and The Hudson River from Fort Lee (circa 1865).
Kensett was also a key figure in the art community of his time, serving as a founding member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His legacy continues to be celebrated as one of the leading figures of American landscape painting, with his works housed in major collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.
-
Full Name: John Frederick Kensett
-
Birth and Death: 1816–1872
-
Profession: Landscape Painter and Engraver
-
Influences: Hudson River School, Luminism
-
Legacy: Kensett’s tranquil and luminous landscapes remain celebrated as exemplars of 19th-century American art, with his works held in major U.S. museums.
