James Lawson Kemper

Flavius James Fisher: A Life in Art

• Born: February 9, 1833, Wythe County, United States
• Died: May 8, 1905
• Origin: ArtsDot

Flavius Josephus Fisher was an American painter whose career spanned several decades and encompassed portraiture and landscape painting. Born in Wythe County, Virginia, his family relocated to McMinn County, Tennessee, when he was a young boy. Early recognition of his artistic talent led him to the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, laying the groundwork for a life dedicated to art.

Early Life and Artistic Training

• Early Education: Fisher received his initial education in Pennsylvania before attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
• Formal Studies: His time at the Academy provided him with a solid foundation in artistic techniques and principles.
• European Sojourn: In 1859, Fisher traveled to Germany to further refine his skills, becoming one of the first Americans admitted to the Berliner Kunstakademie under Julius Friedrich Anton Schrader. He also studied in Düsseldorf, London, and Paris, supporting himself through commissions from European patrons.
• Friendships: During his time in Berlin, he cultivated a close friendship with sculptor Edward Virginius Valentine, whom he aided after contracting smallpox. In gratitude, Fisher presented Valentine with a crayon portrait of Edgar Allan Poe.

Artistic Style and Notable Works

• Subject Matter: Fisher’s work primarily focused on landscape and portrait paintings, capturing both the likenesses of notable figures like Gilbert C. Walker and scenes from the American countryside.
• Technique: He favored oil on canvas as his primary medium, demonstrating a keen attention to detail and utilizing vibrant colors in his compositions.
• Influence of Movements: While rooted in traditional techniques, Fisher’s style showed influences from both Impressionism and Expressionism, evident in his use of light and shadow to create depth and dimensionality.
• Notable Works: Examples include portraits commissioned by the Virginia state government and landscapes depicting scenes from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. *Hog Island Picnic of the Hyena Club* (1868) is a notable work memorializing a social gathering.

Legacy and Influence

• Impact on Subsequent Artists: Fisher’s emphasis on color and detail significantly influenced later generations of painters, including Mark Rothko (Marcus Rothkowitz), whose abstract expressionist works demonstrate an appreciation for vibrant hues and nuanced forms.
• Museum Holdings: His paintings are featured in prominent institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and various collections within Virginia’s state art collection.
• Recognition: Fisher's ability to accurately capture likenesses with minimal sittings was widely recognized during his lifetime, contributing to his reputation as a skilled portraitist.

Later Years and Continued Artistic Pursuits

• Return to the United States: After the American Civil War, Fisher returned to the United States and established studios in New York, Lynchburg, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
• Washington Residency: His long residency at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington provided him with a stable base for commissions and artistic exploration.
• Continued Commissions: He continued to receive commissions from prominent figures throughout his career, including Senator John Warwick Daniel.
• Final Years: Fisher died on May 8, 1905, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant landscapes and compelling portraits that continue to be appreciated today. His widow organized an exhibition of his work in Washington shortly after his death.