Daniel Ridgway Knight (1839-1924) was an American artist who gained significant renown for his paintings that typically depicted rural French peasantry, especially women in their everyday tasks. Born in Philadelphia, Knight trained initially at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he was introduced to the realm of art. Seeking further education, he then moved to France and studied under Charles Gleyre, later becoming close friends with Renoir, both studying under the academician Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier.
Knight’s painting style was influenced by the French academic tradition, combined with an Impressionistic approach to light and color. This blend can be observed in his picturesque landscapes dotted with figures, where the detailed rendering of the figures contrasts with the looser brushwork of the surroundings.
His works often captured the simple beauty and innocence of peasant women amidst lush landscapes, with “The Shepherdess of Rolleboise” and “Maria and Madeleine On The Terrace” being among his most notable pieces. The appeal of his work lay in its idyllic representation of rural life, combined with the detailed characterization of his subjects.
Artists with a similar style and theme include Jules Breton and Julien Dupré, both of whom also celebrated the rural landscapes and people of France in their works.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Ridgway_Knight
https://www.wikiart.org/en/daniel-ridgway-knight
