The Trio

Robert Lewis Reid, an American Impressionist painter and muralist, was celebrated for his decorative works, often featuring young women amidst floral settings. Born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Reid's artistic journey began at the Philips Academy, followed by studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, under Otto Grundmann. His pursuit of mastery took him to New York City's Art Students League and later to Paris, where he honed his skills at the Académie Julian under Gustave Boulanger and Jules Joseph Lefebvre. Initially capturing French peasant life in Étaples, Reid's style evolved upon his return to New York in 1889, where he embraced portraiture and teaching roles at the Art Students League and Cooper Union. Reid's contributions to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, including three murals and four exhibited paintings, marked a significant milestone in his career, earning him a medal for excellence. As a member of the Ten American Painters, he played a pivotal role in the American art scene, with works like 'Dawn' earning the prestigious First Hallgarten Prize in 1898. His mural projects, including those in the Library of Congress and the Appellate Court House, showcase his versatility and enduring legacy in American art. Reid's later works, characterized by a naturalistic approach and a soft pastel palette, reflect his continuous evolution as an artist until his passing in 1929.