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William Matthew Prior: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Training

William Matthew Prior was born on May 16, 1806, in Bath, Maine, to Captain William Prior, a shipmaster, and Sarah Bryant Prior. He demonstrated an early aptitude for art, beginning his artistic journey with training under Charles Codman, a fellow Maine-based painter, completing his first portrait in 1823 at the age of seventeen.

Career Development and the Prior/Hamblin School

In 1840, Prior relocated to East Boston, Massachusetts, with his in-laws, including Sturtevant J. Hamblin, another painter. This move aimed to invigorate his career. The paintings produced by both Prior and Hamblin, when unsigned, are remarkably similar in style – so much so that they are often attributed to the “Prior/Hamblin School.” According to the 1852 Boston directory, Prior resided at 36 Trenton Street in East Boston.

Artistic Style and Themes

Prior’s work is characterized by its vibrant portraits, particularly those of families and children. He was a skilled portraitist who captured the likenesses and personalities of his subjects with a distinctive folk art sensibility. His paintings often depict individuals in their everyday attire and settings, providing valuable insights into 19th-century American life.

• Portraiture: The core of Prior’s oeuvre lies in portrait painting.
• Folk Art Style: His work embodies the characteristics of folk art – simplicity, directness, and a focus on representing everyday life.
• Family & Children: A recurring theme is the depiction of families and children, reflecting the importance placed on these social units during the period.

Religious Beliefs and Writings

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Prior was a devout follower of William Miller, a preacher who prophesied the imminent end of the world. This religious conviction deeply influenced his life and work. He authored two books detailing Miller’s teachings: The King's Vesture (1862) and The Empyrean Canopy (1868).

Legacy and Recognition

William Matthew Prior passed away on January 21, 1873, and was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts. Approximately 1,500 portraits are attributed to him. His works are now held in prestigious institutions such as the Harvard Art Museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art.

Prior’s artistic significance was further highlighted by the exhibition Artist and Visionary: William Matthew Prior Revealed, shown at the Fenimore Art Museum (Cooperstown, New York) in 2012-2013 and subsequently at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. This exhibition brought renewed attention to his unique contribution to American art.

Major Works

• George Washington, c. 1860
• Mrs. Nancy Lawson, 1843
• Portrait of a young boy with flounced collar and brown suit holding a bow and arrow
• Girl in Pink
• Boy in Blue