Biografie von Edward MORAN (1829-1901)

Birth place: Bolton, Lancashire, England

Death place: NYC

Addresses: NYC (1872-on)

Profession: Marine & historical painter

Studied: Paul Weber & James Hamilton in Phila.; Europe, 1862, with brother Thomas

Exhibited: PAFA Ann., frequently, 1854-88; NAD, 1857-96; Brooklyn AA, 1872-84; Boston AC, 1888, 1895; MMA, 1904; NGA, 1907; AIC,1888-1905

Member: AWCS; Lotos Club.

Work: NMAA; NYPL; PMA; MMA; BMFA; Denver AM; Butler IA; Chrysler Mus., Norfolk, VA; Milwaukee AM; Mus. City NY; U.S. Naval Acad.

Comments: He was best-known for his marine and shore scenes, which often include fishermen at work aboard their boats. In 1861, he and his younger brother Thomas (see entry) were impressed by Turner"s paintings in London; thereafter, their paintings often reflect Turner"s sense of drama, with brilliant skies and turbulent green seas. After moving to Maryland with his family in 1844, Edward began as a weaver but switched to painting. By 1857, he was established as an artist in Philadelphia, along with Thomas. Edward moved from Philadelphia to NYC in 1872 and spent the rest of his career there, except for a visit to Paris in 1879-80. During the last decade of his life, he dedicated himself to 13 paintings of important epochs in U.S. marine history, and they were widely exhibited; however, when they failed to bring the $40,000 he required, they were given to NYPL. After his death, 107 of his paintings were sold at auction (Fifth Ave. Art Gal., NYC, 1902) for $16,505. His brother Peter and sons Percy and Leon were also artists (see entries on each).

Sources: G&W; DAB; Phila. CD 1857-60+; Cowdrey, NAD; Swan, BA; Rutledge, PA; Peters, Am. on Stone; Am. Processional, 217; WW01; P&H Samuels, 332; 300 Years of Am. Art, vol. 1, 234; Falk, Exh. Record Series.