Henry Augustus Loop

Henry Augustus Loop (1831–1895) was an American painter associated with the Hudson River School, a mid-19th century art movement known for its romantic portrayal of the American landscape. Born in Hillsdale, New York, Loop studied under the tutelage of Henry Peters Gray and later in Paris, which significantly influenced his artistic development. He became known for his portraiture, capturing the likenesses of prominent figures of his time, and his works were exhibited at the National Academy of Design, where he was elected an associate member in 1859 and a full academician in 1861. Loop's contributions to American art include not only his paintings but also his role in the art community as a teacher and mentor to younger artists. His work reflects the transition in American art from the romanticism of the Hudson River School to a more realistic approach in portraiture.