Edward Savage (1761-1831)
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Edward Savage was an American painter born in Princeton, Massachusetts. Little is known about his artistic training except that he was originally a goldsmith and is considered one of the finest artists of the Federal period. The first known work by Savage was a commission to paint Gen. George Washington’s portrait for Harvard University in 1789. Considering that this was a fairly high profile commission, one can only assume that Savage had established himself as a respected painter by this time. It is thought that he was a self-taught artist, possibly copying the work of John Singleton Copley, who painted in the popular neoclassical style of the day.
Savage traveled to London in 1791 to study under Benjamin West, as so many other artists of his time would do. During this time, it is thought that he also visited Italy. While in London, Savage also learned how to engrave in mezzotint and stipple. He returned to America in 1794 and was married in Boston that same year. Shortly thereafter he moved to Philadelphia, then to New York and Princeton in the following years. It is thought that Savage did not complete any other engravings after he moved from Philadelphia.
In 1804, Savage was called to paint the Washington family, which was a large panorama that measured over nine feet long. This was painted at the height of his career and is considered to be the first Federalist painting. It is believed that Savage had an assistant help him to paint this massive piece. It was eventually owned by P.T. Barnum.
In 1810, Savage became a proprietor of the Columbian Gallery and added a number of his paintings to this gallery/museum. He was also a partner and investor in a Massachusetts cotton factory. It does not appear that these outside ventures put a damper on Savage’s artistic career as he continued to paint through these investments.
Besides his portraits and historical scenes, Savage was known for his engravings and even produced a few miniatures and panoramas, and typically signed his work “E. Savage.”
He exhibited his work in London and all over New England and painted a number of subjects from scenes of literary and mythological history to famous politicians of his time. Today his work is housed in public and private collections all over New England, and perhaps in your own home. Still wondering about that heirloom portrait or historical scene hanging in your family estate? Contact us…it could be by Edward Savage.
