early life and training
frederick arthur bridgman, an american artist, was born on november 10, 1847, in tuskegee, alabama. as the son of a physician, bridgman's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education. he began his artistic journey as a draughtsman in new york city for the american bank note company (1864-65). this period was followed by studies at the brooklyn art association and the national academy of design.
parisian influences
in 1866, bridgman traveled to paris, where he entered the studio of
jean-léon gérôme, a noted academic painter. gérôme's influence on bridgman was profound, shaping his draftsmanship, finish, and interest in middle eastern themes. this period marked the beginning of bridgman's association with paris, which would become his headquarters.
artistic career highlights
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the funeral procession of a mummy on the nile (1877), showcased at the paris salon, earned bridgman the cross of the legion of honor. this piece was later purchased by james gordon bennett jr. and eventually donated to the speed museum in louisville, kentucky. - a prolific artist, bridgman's work includes
a street scene in algeria, notable for its biographical and historical significance, featuring two seated male figures in an intimate domestic setting.
legacy and later life
bridgman maintained a lifelong connection to france while enjoying popularity in america. a one-man show of over 400 pictures in new york's 5th avenue galleries (1890) and later at chicago's art institute, with 300 works, underscored his success.
notable works and collections
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an american circus in normandy -
procession of the bull apis (now in the corcoran gallery of art, washington, d.c.) -
a rumanian lady (in the temple collection, philadelphia, pennsylvania)
recent sales: works by bridgman have sold at auction for $250,000 usd to $350,000 usd.
references
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wikipedia: frederick arthur bridgman -
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