Lambs, Nantucket

Jonathan Eastman Johnson, an eminent American painter, was born on July 29, 1824, in Lovell, Maine, into a family of eight children. His early years were spent in Fryeburg and Augusta, where his father, Philip Carrigan Johnson, a businessman and active Mason, played a significant role in the community. Johnson's artistic journey began in 1840 when he was apprenticed to a Boston lithographer, marking the start of a distinguished career that would see him become one of America's most revered artists. His talent for capturing the essence of everyday life and his portraits of notable figures like Abraham Lincoln and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow earned him the nickname 'The American Rembrandt.' Johnson's artistic development was further enriched by his studies in The Hague during the 1850s, where he drew inspiration from the 17th-century Dutch masters. This influence is evident in his later works, which blend meticulous detail with a profound sense of humanity. Beyond his artistic achievements, Johnson co-founded the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, a testament to his enduring legacy in the American art world. His life, spanning from 1824 to 1906, was a testament to his dedication to art and his contribution to cultural institutions that continue to inspire.