a life dedicated to art and craftsmanship
frederick william harer, an american painter, sculptor, and etcher, left an indelible mark on the world of art with his exceptional skill as a gilder and framemaker. born in blossburg, pennsylvania, on november 15, 1879, harer's life was a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and the arts.
early life and education
harer's early exposure to the world of cabinetry, under the guidance of his successful cabinetmaker father, laid the foundation for his future. following his father's passing, harer inherited his tools, which would later become a crucial part of his journey as an artist. he pursued formal education at the
pennsylvania museum school of industrial arts and the
pennsylvania academy of the fine arts (1900-1903 and 1908-1910), where he was mentored by renowned artists thomas anschutz and william merritt chase.
aesthetic influences and exhibitions
harer's extensive travels, particularly to spain and the west indies, significantly influenced his design aesthetic. this eclectic blend of styles is evident in his work, which has been showcased at the
national academy of design and the
pennsylvania academy of fine arts. his frames have not only elevated the value of pennsylvania impressionist paintings but also inspired a new generation of framers, including francis a. coll and cullen yeats.
legacy and impact
harer's passing on april 27, 1949, in uhlerstown, pennsylvania, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through his work. for art enthusiasts and collectors, having a harer frame on a pennsylvania impressionist painting is a significant addition to their collection.
references:
- frederick harer - wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/frederick_harer
- eli wilner (1988). "the art of the frame": an exhibition focusing on american frames of the arts and crafts movement, 1870-1920.
- william adair (1995). "the frame in america, 1860-1960": exhibition held at the federal reserve board building, washington, d.c.
