Robert Swain Gifford Art
American, 1840-1905
Robert Swain Gifford (1840–1905) Robert Swain Gifford was an American landscape painter best known for his evocative coastal scenes and atmospheric landscapes. He was born on July 23, 1840, on Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts.
Early Life and Training Gifford moved with his family to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he developed an early interest in art. He began formal training with Dutch artist Albert van Beest, who had a significant influence on his style, particularly in marine subjects.
Travel and Influence Gifford’s artistic development was deeply shaped by extensive travel:
In the 1860s, he visited California, painting its rugged coastlines.
He also traveled to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, producing works inspired by exotic and arid landscapes, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Style and Legacy Gifford’s work blends luminism and tonalism, focusing on mood, light, and atmosphere rather than intricate detail. He painted in both oil and watercolor, often capturing tranquil, meditative scenes of marshes, harbors, and deserts.
His art reflects a fascination with natural light and subtle tonal variation, and he was especially adept at portraying foggy seascapes and remote coastal views.
Career Highlights Elected full academician at the National Academy of Design in 1867.
Exhibited regularly at major institutions, including the Boston Art Club, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Received a medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle.
Death and Recognition Gifford died in 1905 in New York. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections including:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Museum of Fine Arts, Bostonto
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Wooded Sand Dune
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Wooded Sand Dune
Oil on panel, 12 x 18 1/8 inches
Framed dimensions: 17 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches
Estate stamp lower right: RSwain Gifford
Provenance
The artist;
By descent in the family ...
Category
Late 19th Century Barbizon School Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
New England Farmhouse
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Provenance
The artist;
By descent in the family to the artist's great-grandaughter, until 2023
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved t...
Category
Late 19th Century Barbizon School Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Citadel of Cairo, Evening
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Oil on canvas mounted on board.
As twilight descends over the ancient city of Cairo, the iconic silhouette of the Citadel emerges against the fading light. This is the scene that Robert Swain...
Category
1870s Realist Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Board
The Edge of the Forest
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Robert Swain Gifford (1840–1905)
The Edge of the Forest
Oil on canvas, 15 x 23 1/4 inches (38.1 x 59.1 cm)
Estate stamp lower right: RSwain Gifford
Provenance
The artist;
By descent in the family to the artist's great-grandaughter, until 2023
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Albert Van Beest arrived in New Bedford in 1854, providing the teenage Gifford with the opportunity of study; he collaborated with Van Beest on a number of ship pictures...
Category
19th Century Tonalist Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Oil
Rocks and Sea
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Alber...
Category
Late 19th Century American Impressionist Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Evening Landscape
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Alber...
Category
1880s Barbizon School Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Daniel Ricketson House, New Bedford
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Alber...
Category
Early 1900s Academic Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Paper, Ink
Cairo
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Alber...
Category
Late 19th Century Other Art Style Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Landscape with Haystacks
By Robert Swain Gifford
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Robert Swain Gifford (1840–1905)
Landscape with Haystacks
Oil on canvas, 14 1/8 x 24 inches (35.9 x 61 cm)
Estate stamp lower left: RSwain Gifford
Provenance
The artist;
By descent in the family to the artist's great-grandaughter, until 2023
Born on a small island near Martha's Vineyard, R. Swain Gifford and his family moved to the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area when he was two years old. The Dutch marine painter Albert Van Beest arrived in New Bedford in 1854, providing the teenage Gifford with the opportunity of study; he collaborated with Van Beest on a number of ship pictures...
Category
19th Century Robert Swain Gifford Art
Materials
Oil
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