Elmer Livingston MacRae was an American artist known for his work as an impressionist painter. Born on October 1, 1875, in New York City, MacRae grew up during a period of rapid artistic change, which influenced his development as an artist. He studied at the Art Students League of New York and later with the famous American artist William Merritt Chase, who was a key figure in American Impressionism.
MacRae's early work was characterized by the impressionist style, focusing on light and color with a loose, expressive brushwork that was typical of the movement. He became a member of the Cos Cob Art Colony in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he was an active participant in the American Impressionist movement. The colony was a hub for artists, writers, and social reformers of the time, and it played a significant role in the development of American Impressionism.
In 1913, MacRae married Emma Constant Holley, and together they had two daughters. Emma was also an artist and her family owned the Holley House in Cos Cob, which became the center of the art colony. MacRae's most productive period coincided with his years at Cos Cob, where he painted many landscapes, still lifes, and portraits.
Elmer MacRae is perhaps best remembered for his involvement with the Armory Show of 1913, formally known as the International Exhibition of Modern Art. He was a founding member of the Association of American Painters and Sculptors, which organized the landmark event that introduced American audiences to European avant-garde art, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp.
Throughout his life, MacRae continued to paint, although he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. His works are part of several collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. MacRae's contribution to American art, especially his role in the Armory Show and his work with the Cos Cob Art Colony, is recognized as significant in the context of American art history.
Elmer Livingston MacRae passed away on March 27, 1953, in Greenwich, Connecticut. His legacy lives on through his artwork and his impact on the American Impressionist movement and the early modern art scene in the United States.
