Vanderlyn, John, 1775-1852

John Vanderlyn was born in Kingston, New York, where he worked for a print shop; he displayed an early aptitude for art, and was able to study with Archibald Robinson and Gilbert Stuart. Under the patronage of Aaron Burr, Vanderlyn became the first American artist to study in France. He exhibited paintings to popular and critical acclaim in America, France, England, and Italy, returning to America in 1815. He painted portraits of several presidents, and created and exhibited panoramas, including one of Niagara Falls, but his reputation fell. His last significant work, the Landing of Columbus for the Capitol rotunda, was typical of his later career - technically admirable but uninspiring.

From the description of John Vanderlyn letter to Dear sir, 1811 Aug. 23. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 72827391

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