America's Old Masters

America's Old Masters examines the lives and works of four influential early American artists: Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, and Gilbert Stuart. First published in 1939, this biography collection established new standards for American art historical writing. Through extensive research and archival materials, Flexner reconstructs the personal journeys and artistic developments of these painters against the backdrop of Revolutionary-era America. The book explores how each artist navigated the transition from colonial craftsmanship to fine art, while dealing with the practical challenges of making a living through painting in the young nation. The narratives follow these painters from their early struggles through their eventual successes, documenting their relationships with patrons, their technical innovations, and their impact on American cultural life. Flexner details their interactions with key historical figures, including their portraits of George Washington and other founding fathers. This foundational text reveals how American art evolved from provincial beginnings to establish its own identity, separate from European traditions. The intertwined stories of these four artists demonstrate the emergence of a distinctly American artistic voice during the nation's formative years.

Readers value Flexner's detailed research and engaging portraits of early American artists Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, and Gilbert Stuart. Reviews note his ability to connect the artists' personal lives with their artistic development. Readers liked: - Clear writing style that makes art history accessible - Original sources and letters that reveal artists' personalities - Historical context about colonial American art world - Quality reproductions of paintings Common criticisms: - Some passages focus too much on biographical details - Limited coverage of the artists' later works - Print quality in paperback editions can be poor Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Sample review: "Flexner brings these artists to life through their correspondence and relationships. His chapter on Copley's struggle between Boston and London captures the tensions colonial artists faced." - Goodreads reviewer

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🎨 James Thomas Flexner wrote this influential work in 1939 when he was just 31 years old 📚 The book focuses on four early American artists: Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, and Gilbert Stuart 🖼️ Benjamin West broke tradition by painting contemporary events in classical style, most famously in "The Death of General Wolfe" (1770), changing how historical scenes were depicted 🏛️ The book helped revive interest in early American art during a time when European masters dominated art historical discourse 🎯 Flexner spent over 50 years writing about American art and went on to win a Special Pulitzer Prize Citation in 1972 for his four-volume biography of George Washington