Edward MORAN
1829–1901, England/USA
Edward Moran was an English-born marine painter known for his Turneresque seascapes and paintings of American history.
Moran was born at Bolton-le Moor, Lancashire, one of four brothers who became artists. When he was 15, Moran immigrated to the United States with his family, to settle in Maryland. Originally trained as a weaver, Moran turned from that trade to study painting with Paul Weber and marine painter James Hamilton in Philadelphia. By 1857 he was an established artist, along with his younger brother, Thomas.
Moran was encouraged to paint marine subjects by Hamilton. These included fishermen at work, seascapes, vessels, and a series of scenes from American maritime history. The marine paintings are dramatically conceived, with brilliant sunsets and vibrant bluegreen seas, recalling the glowing color of Joseph M.W. Turner. In one of his paintings, Moran placed the Statue of Liberty as a symbol on the horizon, silhouetted against a glowing sunset, with a wide expanse of New York Harbor spread out beneath the sky.
In 1861, Moran visited England for six months with his brother, Thomas. They came under the influence of Turner's work, which was on display in London. Moran moved to New York City in 1871 where he opened a studio and spent the rest of his life.
A visit to France in 1878 interested him in painting the figure, and after that date figures appear more prominently in his work than previously. The last 10 years of Moran's life were spent painting a series of 13 historical marine paintings.
Memberships:
National Academy of Design
Pennsylvania American Federation of Arts
Public Collections:
Butler Institute of American Art,
Youngstown, Ohio
Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Virginia
Milwaukee Art Museum
Museum of the City of New York
National Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.
United States Naval Academy Museum,
Annapolis, Maryland