Edward Savage Paintings

Edward Savage was an American portrait painter, engraver, and early American artist. Born in Princeton, Massachusetts, on November 26, 1761, Savage showed an interest in the arts from a young age, although he originally trained as a goldsmith. His foray into the world of art began in earnest when he began to paint portraits around Boston, Massachusetts.

Savage is widely recognized for his work 'The Washington Family' which depicts President George Washington, First Lady Martha Washington, and her two grandchildren. This painting has gained historical significance as an iconic representation of the first American president's family. In addition to this well-known work, Savage produced a variety of portraits of important American figures of his time.

Seeking to further his art education, Savage traveled to London in 1791 where he studied under Benjamin West, who was another prominent American artist of the period. During his time in Europe, Savage not only honed his artistic skills but also took an interest in engraving and printmaking.

Upon his return to the United States, Savage continued to paint but also expanded his work to include engraving and etching. He established an art gallery in New York, which was one of the early attempts at creating a public art institution in America. Unfortunately, this venture was not very successful financially, and he eventually closed the gallery.

Throughout his career, Savage also engaged in teaching, thus contributing to the spread of artistic skills and appreciation of art in the young nation. His influence was felt among a number of American artists of the early 19th century.

Edward Savage died on July 6, 1817, in Princeton, Massachusetts. His legacy includes not only his portraits and engravings but also his role in developing an American audience for the arts. Savage's works are part of the collections in various museums and institutions, where they continue to be studied and appreciated for their historical significance and artistic merit.