James Hamilton Shégogue

Place: Charleston

Born: 1806

Death: 1872

Biography:

James Hamilton Shégogue, an American painter, was born on February 22, 1806, and died on April 7, 1872. He was described as a "man of unusual education, a proficient linguist, and a scientific explorer" by one contemporary. Shegogue was born in Ireland to George Alexander Shegog and his wife Catherine St. Clair Getty. He came to America at the age of eleven, having been sent for by family members who emigrated before him.

Early Life and Training

was reared by a maiden aunt in Charleston, South Carolina, and became a naturalized citizen in about 1835. The family was of French Huguenot extraction; little is known of his training, though a family letter from the 19th century states that he "studied painting with Vanserlyn and Sully." It has been said he traveled in Europe and studied there in his early years.

Artistic Career

Around 1833, Shegogue exhibited a painting titled An Old Straw Hat, currently unlocated, at the American Academy of Fine Arts; this was the first piece he showed publicly. Among the artists whose notice it attracted was John Trumbull. In 1839, his name was listed on the register of students at the National Academy of Design, but he is known to have already developed a reputation as an artist. Key Points:

• Shegogue participated in the artistic life of New York City, holding membership in the Old Sketch Club, the Artists Sketch Club, and the Century Association.
• He was quite prolific as a portraitist, but produced history paintings, landscapes, and genre works as well.
• Shegogue became a member of the National Academy, and later served as that organization's corresponding secretary, from 1849 to 1852.

For more information about James Hamilton Shégogue and his artwork, visit Wikioo.org: James Hamilton Shégogue or Wikipedia: James Hamilton Shegogue. You can also explore the National Academy of Design and other museums on Wikioo.org to discover more about American art and artists.