Looking back at American artists it’s important to note that an artist’s success in the 19th century wasn’t necessarily measured by work exhibited in galleries and museums, but by engraved reproductions.  Setauket painter, William Sidney Mount’s “The Long Island Farmer Husking Corn” was picked up by engravers to print on bank notes, for example.

William Sidney Mount

At the time, depicting scenes of everyday life at work and play was unusual.  But Mount’s paintings of ordinary life on Long Island earned him a distinctive place among emerging American painters.

Mount was trained at the National Academy of Design in New York City and was a contemporary of the Hudson River School.  Multi-talented Mount was also an accomplished violinist.  Deborah Johnson, president and chief executive of the Museums at Stony Brook says “His love for music competed constantly with his love for art”.

Studying the details in Mount’s paintings gives you a little insight into the life and times of our American ancestors.  To enjoy a rich experience, view his paintings at The Met Fifth Avenue, New York.

William Sidney Mount – born November 26, 1807 – Died November 19, 1868