John William Casilear
American, 1811 - 1893
John William Casilear, one of the very fine names that even today languish in the relative obscurity of historical neglect, was a formidable talent. To twentieth-century eyes his drawings present ample evidence to support his candidacy as the most fluent draftsman of all the Hudson River School artists.
He was born in New York City and at age fifteen was apprenticed to the prominent engraver Peter Maverick; later he worked with Asher B. Durand. His interest in painting developed in the early 1830s, and in 1835, he was made an Associate of the National Academy of Design, where he exhibited regularly from 1833 to 1893. He was also a member of the Century Association for more than forty years. He continued to pursue both careers, engraving and painting, eventually achieving a partnership in the engraving firm of Tappan, Carpenter, Casilear & Company and full membership in the National Academy of Design in 1851.
Casilear's views of the Genesee Valley and of Lake George were highly regarded and other examples may be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. This magical view of Lake George, similar to that of Bricher, manifests the fine unobtrusive color, restrained brushwork, and tight composition one might expect of an engraver, yet everywhere Casilear's artistry is in evidence. The refined Claudian symmetry and crystalline atmosphere virtually stop time and heighten the luxurious tranquility of the moment. The subtle modulation of tone, elegant restrained brushwork, beautiful surface quality, and blistering light are all features of Casilear's most poetic and successful essays. He loved Lake George it was among his favorite subjects and in mostly intimate, diminutive paintings he created images that are amazingly resilient in one's memory. Today these elements are sometimes seen as cold, tame, or colorless. From another point of view, these same characteristics might be seen as classic.
Casilear was an important and accomplished Hudson River School artist. His art will sustain a considerable amount of viewing, and as the whole milieu becomes better understood, it seems likely that the unique and far-reaching qualities of his art will be more widely appreciated.
Biography courtesy of Roughton Galleries, www.antiquesandfineart.com/roughton
He was born in New York City and at age fifteen was apprenticed to the prominent engraver Peter Maverick; later he worked with Asher B. Durand. His interest in painting developed in the early 1830s, and in 1835, he was made an Associate of the National Academy of Design, where he exhibited regularly from 1833 to 1893. He was also a member of the Century Association for more than forty years. He continued to pursue both careers, engraving and painting, eventually achieving a partnership in the engraving firm of Tappan, Carpenter, Casilear & Company and full membership in the National Academy of Design in 1851.
Casilear's views of the Genesee Valley and of Lake George were highly regarded and other examples may be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. This magical view of Lake George, similar to that of Bricher, manifests the fine unobtrusive color, restrained brushwork, and tight composition one might expect of an engraver, yet everywhere Casilear's artistry is in evidence. The refined Claudian symmetry and crystalline atmosphere virtually stop time and heighten the luxurious tranquility of the moment. The subtle modulation of tone, elegant restrained brushwork, beautiful surface quality, and blistering light are all features of Casilear's most poetic and successful essays. He loved Lake George it was among his favorite subjects and in mostly intimate, diminutive paintings he created images that are amazingly resilient in one's memory. Today these elements are sometimes seen as cold, tame, or colorless. From another point of view, these same characteristics might be seen as classic.
Casilear was an important and accomplished Hudson River School artist. His art will sustain a considerable amount of viewing, and as the whole milieu becomes better understood, it seems likely that the unique and far-reaching qualities of his art will be more widely appreciated.
Biography courtesy of Roughton Galleries, www.antiquesandfineart.com/roughton
