Heade, Martin Johnson 1819–1904, American painter, b. Lumberville, Pa. He studied briefly with Edward Hicks and in Europe, and later traveled in Central and South America. Heade is associated with American luminism, particularly in his uniquely lit canvases of coming thunderstorms. He painted dramatic seascapes and landscapes of New England. In his nature studies, scientifically exact birds and plants are set against poetic backgrounds in eerie colors. His notable paintings include Orchids and Hummingbirds (Detroit Inst. of Arts) and Approaching Storm: Beach near Newport (Mus. of Fine Arts, Boston).

Used with permission. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright © 2001 Columbia University Press

View Martin Johnson Heade Collection