John Frederick Kensett (1816-1872) was an American landscape painter associated with the second generation of the Hudson River School, also referred to as the Luminist movement due to its emphasis on light. Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, Kensett’s painting style evolved from detailed and methodical to a more atmospheric and luminous approach, capturing the subtle nuances of light and atmosphere in his landscapes.
After training in engraving, Kensett traveled to Europe in the early 1840s, studying painting in Paris and then traveling throughout Europe to sketch landscapes. This European experience influenced his early painting style, which was more aligned with the detailed aesthetic of the first generation of the Hudson River School.
However, as Kensett matured as an artist, he began to focus on the serene and tranquil qualities of nature, capturing calm coastal scenes, serene lakes, and peaceful mountain vistas, often with an emphasis on the reflective qualities of water and the atmospheric effects of light and air. His later works, which are often considered his best, embody the Luminist style with their soft, diffused light and a sense of quiet contemplation.
Artists with similar stylistic sensibilities include Fitz Henry Lane and Martin Johnson Heade, both of whom are also associated with the Luminist movement. Kensett’s contribution to American art is significant, as he captured the transcendental beauty of nature, emphasizing quietude and the spiritual qualities of the landscape.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Frederick_Kensett
https://www.wikiart.org/en/john-frederick-kensett
