Carducius Plantagenet Ream Paintings

Carducius Plantagenet Ream was an American still-life painter known for his intricate and realistic depictions of fruits, flowers, and other objects. Born on June 8, 1837, in Lancaster, Ohio, Ream showed artistic talent from an early age. However, his initial career path was not in art; he began working as a printer's apprentice in his teenage years.

Despite his early career choice, Ream's passion for art remained undiminished. He eventually moved to Chicago, where he worked as a sign and banner painter. It was there that he began to study painting seriously, honing his skills and moving towards fine art. Ream's dedication to his craft led him to further his studies in Europe, where he was influenced by the Dutch masters, particularly their attention to detail in still life painting.

Returning to the United States, Ream established himself as a skilled painter, and his works were soon in high demand. He became particularly well-known for his depictions of fruit, which were celebrated for their lifelike quality and compositional elegance. Ream's paintings often included rich textures and a deep sense of volume, capturing the subtle play of light and shadow on his subjects.

Throughout his career, Ream exhibited his work widely, and his paintings were collected by prominent individuals, including several U.S. presidents. His success as an artist also allowed him to support his family, which was particularly meaningful to him as he had faced financial struggles in his early life.

Ream's artistic contributions were recognized during his lifetime, and he was a member of various artistic societies. He continued to paint well into his later years, maintaining a studio in the Fine Arts Building in Chicago. Carducius Plantagenet Ream passed away on December 23, 1917, leaving behind a legacy as one of the notable American still-life painters of his time. His works remain in collections and museums, continuing to be admired for their beauty and technical precision.