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Charles Bird KingAmerican portrait artist
Date of Birth: 26.09.1785
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Charles Bird King
Charles Bird King was an American portrait painter known for his significant influence from the Dutch artistic tradition. His most famous achievement is a series of portraits commissioned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, depicting delegates from various Native American tribes who attended a congress in Washington.
Early Life
Charles Bird King was born in Newport, the only child of Captain Zebulon King, a veteran of the War of Independence. When he was four years old, his family moved west, but shortly after, his father was killed by Native Americans in Ohio. His mother returned with him to Newport.
At the age of 15, King began studying under portrait painter Edward Savage. When he turned 20, he moved to London to further his studies under artist Benjamin West at the Royal Academy. However, he was forced to return to the United States due to the War of 1812 after a seven-year stay in London. He then worked in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Richmond before ultimately settling in Washington.
Career and Success
In Washington, King quickly established himself as a portraitist of politicians, running his own studio and gallery. His commercial success and reputation in the art world were largely attributed not only to his artistic skill but also his ability to form social connections with wealthy celebrities and politicians. Among his patrons were John Quincy Adams, John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, James Monroe, and Daniel Webster.
Despite his wealth and connections, King never married. He passed away in Washington on March 18, 1862.
- Source: Thomas L. McKenney & James Hall. History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: F.W. Greenough, 1838—1844.
