Robert Swain Gifford Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
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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Artist: Robert Swain Gifford
Rocks and Sea
By Robert Swain Gifford
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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...
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Late 19th Century American Impressionist Robert Swain Gifford Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
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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...
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Late 19th Century Other Art Style Robert Swain Gifford Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
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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...
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Early 1900s Academic Robert Swain Gifford Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Ink
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Robert Swain Gifford landscape drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Robert Swain Gifford landscape drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Robert Swain Gifford in paint, paper, watercolor and more. Not every interior allows for large Robert Swain Gifford landscape drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 14 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Patricia Smith, Reginald K. Gee, and Victoria Ryan. Robert Swain Gifford landscape drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,500 and tops out at $3,500, while the average work can sell for $3,500.
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