Anna Richards Brewster was an American artist known for her painting, writing, and illustration. Born on February 5, 1870, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of William Trost Richards, a well-known pre-Raphaelite and landscape painter, and Anna Matlack, a poet. Brewster showed artistic talent from a young age and was encouraged by her father, who provided her with early training.
Brewster's formal education began at the Cowles Art School in Boston, and she later studied under William Merritt Chase at the Art Students League of New York. She also studied in Paris at the Académie Julian, a prominent art school that welcomed female students. Throughout her career, Brewster was well-traveled, finding inspiration in various cultures and landscapes. She lived and worked in England, France, Italy, India, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as the United States.
Brewster's work was diverse, encompassing portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes. She was skilled in both oil and watercolor and also worked as an illustrator for various publications. Her paintings were exhibited at major venues, including the Paris Salon, the National Academy of Design in New York, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Despite her extensive education and travel, Brewster faced the gender biases prevalent in the art world at the time. Nevertheless, she achieved recognition in her lifetime, winning several awards for her work. After marrying fellow artist William Tenney Brewster in 1905, she continued to paint and exhibit her work. Anna Richards Brewster passed away on August 25, 1952, in New York.
Throughout her life, Brewster contributed to the arts as an active participant in various art organizations and as a prolific artist. Her works are part of collections in several museums, appreciated for their technical skill and the unique perspective she brought to her subjects, influenced by her extensive travels and exposure to different cultures.
