George Henry Yewell Paintings

George Henry Yewell was an American painter, born on October 20, 1830, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, where he began his career as a self-taught artist. Yewell moved to New York City in the early 1850s, where he worked as an engraver before turning to painting. He was particularly influenced by the work of Charles Loring Elliott, a prominent portrait painter of the time.

Yewell's dedication to art led him to travel to Europe in 1856 to further his education. He lived in Paris and Rome for several years, studying at the École des Beaux-Arts and under the tutelage of eminent artists such as Thomas Couture and later, in Rome, with the German artist, Friedrich Overbeck. During his time in Europe, Yewell honed his skills as a genre and portrait painter, absorbing the influences of European masters.

Yewell returned to the United States in 1859 and established himself in New York City. He became known as a genre painter, capturing scenes of everyday life with a realism and attention to detail that was appreciated by his contemporaries. His works often depicted American and European social life and landscapes, and he exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design, where he was elected an associate in 1860 and an academician in 1861.

During the American Civil War, Yewell served as a captain in the Union Army. After the war, he returned to Europe, where he continued to paint and exhibit his works. He spent significant periods in Italy and France, where he was inspired by the local scenery and culture.

Yewell's paintings are characterized by their fine detail, vibrant colors, and often romantic portrayal of their subjects. His works can be found in various American museums and private collections. He was also an active member of the art community and contributed to the establishment of the American Watercolor Society.

George Henry Yewell's career spanned over six decades, and he continued to paint until his late eighties. He passed away on August 26, 1923, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a skilled painter and a dedicated proponent of the arts.