During the Colonial era, artists began to create an American identity in the art world. The drawings of explorer John White; the maps of John Foster, American's first printmaker; the silverwork of the famous patriot Paul Revere; the creations of America's first professional woman artist, Henrietta Johnston; and the portraits of John Singleton Copley all helped create a distinct culture in the young colonies. This volume presents narrative chapters on the lives of ten pioneers in Colonial American art.



Each biographical chapter traces the artistic development of these and other artists, describing their masterworks and placing them within the artistic traditions and cultural codes of the time. A plethora of illustrations, including an 8-page color insert, provides an invaluable look at Colonial American art. Chapter bibliographies, a glossary of terms, a timeline, and a subject index provide additional tools for students of art from the nation's earliest years.