Robert Bolling Brandegee Paintings

Robert Bolling Brandegee was an American artist known for his skill in painting landscapes, marine scenes, and still lifes. Born on October 24, 1849, in New London, Connecticut, Brandegee was part of a family with a rich history in America; his ancestors included a Revolutionary War soldier and a U.S. Senator.

Brandegee's initial education was not in the arts but in the legal field. He graduated from Yale University in 1871 and was admitted to the bar in Connecticut. Despite this traditional career path, his passion for art propelled him to pursue painting seriously. He studied under the guidance of the Dutch-American marine painter Mauritz Frederik Hendrik De Haas in New York City, where he honed his skills in depicting the sea and ships, a genre that would remain a cornerstone of his artistic oeuvre.

In the 1880s, Brandegee traveled to Paris to further his art education. He enrolled at the prestigious Académie Julian, where he studied with noted artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. Brandegee absorbed the academic style and techniques prevalent at the time, which emphasized classical forms and careful composition. This experience significantly influenced his approach to painting, and he brought these sensibilities back to the United States.

Upon his return to America, Brandegee settled in Boston, Massachusetts, and became an active member of the local art community. He exhibited his work at various institutions, including the Boston Art Club and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His paintings were well-received, and he gained a reputation for his meticulous brushwork and his ability to capture the atmospheric effects of light on landscapes and seascapes.

Brandegee continued to paint throughout his life, and he also involved himself in the cultural life of Boston. He was a member of the Copley Society and the Salmagundi Club, both influential art organizations. Despite the shifting tastes in art, with impressionism and later modernism taking hold, Brandegee remained committed to his academic style.

Robert Bolling Brandegee died on October 31, 1922, in Boston, leaving behind a legacy of finely crafted paintings that continue to be appreciated for their technical mastery and serene beauty. His works are part of several collections and are occasionally displayed in exhibitions focusing on American art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.