Philip Gilbert Hamerton

Philip Gilbert Hamerton (1834-1894) was an influential English artist, art critic, and author. Born on September 10, 1834, in Laneside, Lancashire, he was orphaned at an early age and raised by his aunt and uncle. Hamerton developed a passion for art and literature from a young age. He initially pursued a career as a painter, studying in Paris and exhibiting his work. However, his true impact came through his written works.

In 1858, Hamerton published his first major book, "A Painter's Camp in the Highlands," which detailed his artistic experiences in Scotland. His most renowned work, "The Intellectual Life" (1873), explored the cultivation of intellect and personal fulfillment, drawing widespread acclaim. An advocate for the etching revival movement, he founded and edited "The Portfolio" (1870-1893), a monthly art journal that became highly regarded for its quality and influence.

Hamerton was also an esteemed critic, celebrated for his accessible and insightful analysis of art. His vast body of work includes essays, biographies, and travel literature, reflecting his diverse interests and erudition. Philip Gilbert Hamerton died on November 4, 1894, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, leaving behind a legacy as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art criticism and literature.