Biography of robert scott duncanson awards

Robert Seldon Duncanson c. Inspired by famous American landscape artists like Thomas Cole , Duncanson created renowned landscape paintings and is considered a second generation Hudson River School artist.

Robert duncanson landscape

The primary art historical debate centered on Duncanson concerns the role that contemporary racial issues played in his work. Some art historians , like Joseph D. Ketner, believe that Duncanson used racial metaphors in his artwork, [ 4 ] while others, like Margaret Rose Vendryes , discourage viewers from approaching his art with a racialized perspective.

All evidence points to Robert Seldon being the descendant of freed slaves from Virginia. Charles received special privileges, including his emancipation and the opportunity to learn a skilled trade, because he was likely the illegitimate son of his owner. However, at the end of the eighteenth century, white opposition toward free black men grew in the Upper South.

Charles' knowledge of carpentry and house painting was passed down to his son, John Dean, and his grandchildren. This knowledge would later allow Robert Seldon Duncanson to develop as an artisan and later as an artist.

Who was robert s duncanson

During their childhood, Robert and his four brothers apprenticed in the family trades of house painting and carpentry. While Robert's brothers achieved modest success as housepainters, Robert emerged as the most talented of his siblings in his apprenticeships. In , Robert established a painting business with partner John Gamblin.

Robert and his partner frequently advertised their services in local publications, like the Monroe Gazette. In , nineteen-year-old Duncanson left Monroe and moved to Mount Pleasant, Ohio , a town north of Cincinnati later known as Mount Healthy, to begin his career in fine arts.