Joseph Rodefer DeCamp was an American painter born on November 5, 1858, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a prominent member of the Boston School of painters, who were known for their portraits, landscapes, and genteel genre paintings. DeCamp was particularly celebrated for his portraiture, capturing the likeness and character of Boston's elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
DeCamp began his artistic education at the McMicken School of Design in Cincinnati, which later became the Art Academy of Cincinnati. He furthered his studies in Munich, Germany, at the Royal Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts, where he was influenced by the dark tonalities and realistic approach of the Munich School. During his time in Munich, he formed a close association with fellow American artists Frank Duveneck and William Merritt Chase, who also played significant roles in the American art scene of their time.
After returning to the United States, DeCamp taught at the Massachusetts Normal Art School, now known as the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and joined the faculty of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His teaching influenced a new generation of artists, and his work continued to gain recognition. DeCamp was a founding member of the Ten American Painters, a group that exhibited together to promote their work outside of the traditional academy setting.
DeCamp's style evolved over the years, and he began incorporating impressionistic techniques into his work. His use of light and color became more vibrant, reflecting the influence of Impressionism without fully abandoning his academic roots. One of his most notable works is 'The Blue Mandarin Coat', which exemplifies his skill in using color and light to create depth and texture.
Tragically, DeCamp's career was cut short when he suffered a stroke in 1923 that left him unable to paint. He died later that year on February 11. Despite the abrupt end to his artistic contributions, Joseph Rodefer DeCamp left a lasting legacy through his paintings and his impact on his students and the Boston art community.