Francis Alexander Paintings

Francis Alexander was an American portrait painter born on February 3, 1800, in Killingly, Connecticut. He spent his early years in his native state before moving to New York City to pursue his interest in art. Initially self-taught, Alexander eventually received formal training and began to establish himself as a skilled portraitist.

In the 1820s, Alexander moved to Boston, which was emerging as a significant cultural center. There, he came under the influence of Gilbert Stuart, a renowned American portraitist who painted the famous portraits of George Washington. Alexander quickly became one of the most sought-after portrait painters in New England. His clientele included many prominent figures of the time, and he became well-known for his ability to capture the likeness and personalities of his subjects.

Alexander's success in Boston allowed him to travel to Italy in 1831, where he continued to work and study. His time in Europe was crucial for his artistic development. He was exposed to the work of the old masters, and this experience enriched his painting style with greater technical proficiency and a refined sense of composition.

Upon his return to the United States, Alexander settled in Boston and continued his successful career. He was especially popular among the literary and intellectual circles, counting among his sitters well-known figures such as writer Nathaniel Hawthorne and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Alexander's portraits were praised for their elegance and expressive character.

Despite his success, little information is available about his later life. Francis Alexander died on March 27, 1880, in Florence, Italy, where he had been living. His work remains a testament to the cultural and artistic climate of 19th-century America and can be found in various collections and museums across the United States.