Samuel Isham

Who was Samuel Isham?

Samuel Isham was an American portrait and figure painter, born in New York.

He studied at Yale, where he was a member of the third editorial board of The Yale Record. After graduating in 1875, he studied law and was admitted to the bar.

Opting out of a career in law, Isham turned to art, studying in Paris at the Académie Julian. He exhibited at both Paris salons and at the larger American exhibitions, and became a member of the National Academy in 1906.

His most important achievement, however, was his History of American Painting, the best work on the subject. It deserves high praise for its adequate treatment, sympathetic usually just appreciations, and pleasing style.