Julien Hudson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julien Hudson
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"Portrait of a Man, So-Called Self Portrait by Julien Hudson, New Orleans, 1839
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| Born | January 9, 1811 New Orleans, United States of America
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| Died | 1844 New Orleans, United States of America
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| Occupation | Painter |
Julien Hudson (born January 9, 1811 – died 1844) was a talented painter and art teacher from New Orleans. He lived in the 1800s and was known as a free man of color. This meant he was not enslaved. He was once thought to be the first African American to paint a self-portrait. However, experts now call his famous 1839 painting "Portrait of a Man, So-Called Self Portrait".
Early Life and Family
Julien Hudson was born in New Orleans on January 9, 1811. His father, John Thomas Hudson, was from Britain and sold ship supplies. His mother, Suzanne Désirée Marcos, was a free woman of color from New Orleans.
Julien's family was well-known in the city. His mother owned property, which gave them a steady income. Julien might have been taught at home. His family called him "Pickil."
Becoming an Artist
Julien first learned to be a tailor in the mid-1820s. After that, he started working with Antoine and Nina Meucci. They were a husband and wife team who painted small portraits called miniatures. Julien learned from them for less than six months. The Meuccis then moved away from New Orleans.
In 1829, Julien's grandmother, Françoise Leclerc, left him some money and property. This helped him pursue his art career. In 1831, Julien announced in a newspaper that he had finished his art studies with Antoine Meucci.
Studying in Paris
Julien Hudson traveled to Paris, France, to study art. He went there at least twice. His first trip was around 1831. He told people he had "lately returned from Paris." It is not known who taught him during this first trip.
His second trip to Paris might have started in 1835. He likely studied with a famous painter named Alexandre-Denis Abel de Pujol. This artist was a student of Jacques-Louis David, another very important painter. Julien returned to New Orleans by August 1837. He probably came back because of money problems in the United States. Also, his sisters had passed away.
Later Career and Legacy
After returning from Paris, Julien Hudson opened his own art studio. It was located on Bienville Street in New Orleans. He was listed as an artist in the city directories in 1837 and 1838.
For a short time in 1840, Julien Hudson had a student. His student was George David Coulon, who also became a painter. Julien Hudson passed away in New Orleans in 1844. He is remembered as an important artist from New Orleans.
