Alexander Robertson (artist) facts for kids
Alexander Robertson (1772–1841) was a Scottish-American artist. In the 1790s, he helped start an art school in New York City. This school was called the Columbian Academy of Painting. He founded it with his brother, Archibald Robertson.
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Who Was Alexander Robertson?
Alexander Robertson was born in 1772 in Monymusk, Scotland. His father, William Robertson, was an architect and drew designs. Alexander was one of three brothers who all became artists. His brothers were Archibald and Andrew.
Alexander studied art in Scotland. He also went to the Royal Academy of Art in London. His brother Archibald also taught him. Alexander became known for painting very small portraits, called miniatures.
Starting an Art School in America
Alexander and his brother Archibald moved to the United States. They came to teach art. Wealthy people had invited them. Archibald arrived in 1791. Alexander joined him in New York in 1792.
In the 1790s, the brothers opened the Columbian Academy of Painting. It was on William Street in New York. This was one of the very first art schools in the country. They taught many students. Some famous students included John Vanderlyn and Francis Alexander. They also taught a woman artist named Ann Hall, which was unusual for that time. Alexander taught painting and drawing. The brothers taught both beginners and professional artists. They used methods from European art schools.
His Art and Other Work
Robertson painted tiny portraits and landscapes. He also made engravings. Engravings are pictures carved into a surface. He worked with his brother Archibald on some of these.
Around 1800, Alexander drew a picture of Mount Vernon. This was George Washington's home in Virginia. An artist named Francis Jukes later made an engraving of it.
In 1802, Alexander opened his own art school. The Columbian Academy of Art was renamed. Archibald continued to manage it.
Alexander was also active at the American Academy of the Fine Arts (AAFA) in New York. He became a director there in 1816. From 1817 to 1825, he was the school's secretary. He was also the curator from 1820 to 1835. In 1821, he became an honorary member of an art academy in South Carolina.
Robertson traveled along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. He drew the landscapes and towns he saw. He kept these drawings in a sketchbook.
Later Life and Collections
Alexander Robertson married Miss Provost. She was the niece of Bishop Provost.
Robertson passed away in New York in 1841.
His artworks are kept in several important collections. These include:
- Albany Institute of History & Art
- British Library
- Brooklyn Museum of Art
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Smithsonian Institution
See Also
