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JOSEPH BLACKBURN (ATTR.)

BiographyJoseph Blackburn, an English rococo portraitist noted for his fine draperies and backdrops, was active in Bermuda in 1752 and 1753. He then moved to New England, where he became popular with the colonial elite and quickly monopolized portrait painting. Eighty signed portraits by him exist in the United States.

Little is known of Blackburn's life. He came to Bermuda from London, where he was most likely an assistant in the studio of a master like Joseph Highmoer or Thomas Hudson. After leaving Bermuda, he brought his knowledg3e and talents to New England, working in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Boston before returning to England in 1763. His work influenced the young John singleton Copley, who soon provided stiff competition for Blackburn. It may have been this that drove Blackburn back to England, where he continued his work in small provincial areas.

(from curatorial binder)

Person TypeIndividual