William Matthew Prior was an American artist born on May 16, 1806, in Bath, Maine. He is acknowledged for his work as a painter who created portraits in a range of styles, including a more affordable, flat, linear form that made portraiture accessible to a broader segment of the population during the mid-19th century.
Prior started his artistic career as an itinerant painter, traveling to offer his services. He eventually settled in Boston, Massachusetts. There, he became associated with the lithographer and portraitist Francis Alexander. This association helped him to refine his artistic skills and gain prominence.
In the 1840s, Prior moved to East Boston and entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law, George W. Hartwell. Together, they advertised 'Correct Likenesses,' claiming that patrons did not have to pay if they did not like the paintings. Prior's work during this period was notable for its more democratic approach to portraiture, as he offered portraits at different price points, which allowed people of various economic backgrounds to afford his work.
Prior's artistic output included both highly detailed, realistic portraits and what he called 'flat pictures,' which were less expensive due to their simplified style. These 'flat pictures' lacked the depth and detailed shading of more costly portraiture, but they still captured the essence of the subject in a bold and direct manner, making them popular among middle-class patrons.
In addition to portraits, William Matthew Prior was known for his genre scenes and landscapes. He was also an ardent believer in the Millerite movement, which anticipated the second coming of Christ, and his religious beliefs occasionally influenced his art.
William Matthew Prior passed away on January 11, 1873, in Niagara Falls, New York. His legacy is significant as he contributed to the democratization of portrait painting in America, making it accessible to a wider audience and influencing the course of folk art in the United States.
