John Ross Key was an American painter born on July 19, 1832, in Hagerstown, Maryland. He was the grandson of Francis Scott Key, the writer of the American national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' John Ross Key studied under his uncle, John H. B. Latrobe, who was an amateur artist, and later under the prominent American artist, Emmanuel Leutze in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Key served in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War and was attached to the engineering corps because of his drafting skills. After the war, he moved to San Francisco and began his career as a professional landscape painter, inspired by the beauty of the Californian landscape.
His paintings are known for their detailed representation of natural scenery, including views of Yosemite, the White Mountains, and other locations across the United States. Key exhibited his work at various institutions, including the San Francisco Art Association, the Mechanics’ Institute Fairs in San Francisco, and the National Academy of Design in New York.
He continued to paint and show his work into his later years, with his style evolving over time, reflecting the changing tastes and artistic developments of the era. John Ross Key passed away on March 24, 1920, in Baltimore, Maryland. His works are part of several collections and continue to be studied and appreciated for their historical value and artistic quality.
