A Luminary of American Art: The Life and Legacy of John La Farge John La Farge, born in New York City in 1835 to wealthy French Roman Catholic parents, emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of late 19th and early 20th-century American art. His journey was one of constant exploration and innovation, spanning painting, mural design, stained glass artistry, interior decoration, and insightful writing on his travels—particularly th…