William Morris Hunt

William Morris Hunt (1824-1879) was an influential American painter and a key figure in the 19th-century art scene. Known for his work in both landscape and portrait painting, he emphasized naturalism and the beauty of his subjects. Hunt studied in Europe, where he was influenced by the French Barbizon school, which focused on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in nature. He also played a vital role in shaping American art education, founding the first art school in America in Boston. His legacy includes inspiring a generation of artists and his contributions to the rise of American Impressionism.