John Sloan

Style: Art Nouveau; Ashcan School; New Realism;

Place: Lock Haven

Born: 1871

Death: 1951

Biography:

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

John French Sloan

, a twentieth-century painter and etcher, was born on August 2, 1871, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. His early life was marked by his family's financial struggles, which led to his father's mental breakdown in 1888. This pivotal event made Sloan responsible for supporting his parents and sisters at the age of sixteen.

Artistic Development

Sloan's artistic journey began with pen-and-ink copies after Dürer and Rembrandt, created during his employment at Porter and Coates. He later attended a night drawing class at the Spring Garden Institute, marking his first formal art training. In 1892, Sloan met Robert Henri, who encouraged him to pursue painting and introduced him to European artists like Manet, Hals, Goya, and Velázquez.

The Ashcan School and Notable Works

Sloan is renowned for his urban genre scenes, particularly those capturing the essence of neighborhood life in New York City. His notable works include:

McSorley's Bar, a quintessential example of his Ashcan School style.
Sixth Avenue Elevated at Third Street, showcasing his ability to portray the city's bustling atmosphere.
Wake of the Ferry, a poignant representation of New York City's waterfront life.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sloan married Anna Maria (Dolly) Wall in 1901, despite her troubled past. He became a prominent figure in American Realism, with his work featured in various museums, including the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College. Sloan's legacy is marked by his unique blend of realism and socialism, earning him the title of "the premier artist of the Ashcan School."