Charles Henry Gifford

Charles Henry Gifford
Born(1839-07-13)July 13, 1839
DiedJanuary 20, 1904(1904-01-20) (aged 64)
Fairhaven, Massachusetts, U.S.
OccupationsMarine and landscape painter

Charles Henry Gifford (July 13, 1839 – January 20, 1904) was an American marine and landscape painter. He was a member of the Hudson River School.

Biography

Gifford was born on July 13, 1839, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. He was initially apprenticed as a ship's carpenter, the same profession as his father. However, Charles soon quit that to become a shoemaker.[1] Gifford taught himself how to paint after seeing one of Albert Bierstadt's paintings.[1][2]

Gifford served in the American Civil War and became a prisoner of war at the Confederate-run Libby Prison, where he developed lifelong health problems.[1][2] He became a painter full-time after the war.[2][1] Gifford worked in the luminist style, and has also been considered a member of the Hudson River School art movement.[1] He built a tower at his house in Fairhaven for better views of the sea and sky.[2]

Gifford died on January 20, 1904, at his home in Fairhaven.[1][2] He was survived by his wife and five married daughters.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Charles Henry Gifford". Antiques and Fine Art. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Charles Henry Gifford". The Standard-Times. February 1, 1904. p. 3. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  • Media related to Charles Henry Gifford at Wikimedia Commons