Biografie von Samuel LAURENCE (1812-1884)

Birth place: Guildford, Surrey, England

Death place: London

Addresses: Was in the U.S. from 1854 -61

Profession: Portrait painter

Exhibited: began exhibiting in London in 1834, showed work at the Royal Academy until 1882; NAD,1844, 1855-59; Artists Fund Soc., 1844; PAFA, 1856; Boston Athenaeum

Work: NYHS (crayon portrait of Nathaniel Parker Willis)

Comments: Before coming to the United States early in 1854, Laurence enjoyed a successful career as a portraitist in London, being especially noted for his portraits of literary figures. He came to the U.S. at the suggestion of Thackeray and after spending a few months in Newport (RI) and visiting Longfellow's home in Cambridge (Mass.), he settled in NYC, remaining there until he returned to England in 1861. During his American stay, Laurence gained a number of portrait commissions and exhibited his work at New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Sources: G&W; DNB; information courtesy Frank Miles, London; Bolton, Crayon Draftsmen; Cowdrey, NAD; Rutledge, PA; Swan, BA; NYCD 1856-61; Graves; repro., Connoisseur (Sept. 1947), 28.