Richard Morrell Staigg

Richard Morrell Staigg was an American artist born on September 7, 1817, in Leeds, England, and he passed away on October 11, 1881, in Newport, Rhode Island. Staigg was primarily associated with the American portrait miniaturist movement of the 19th century, a period when such art was highly valued for its intimate and detailed representation of individuals. He emigrated to the United States in 1831, where he established himself as a prominent portraitist, particularly known for his delicate and precise miniature portraits. Staigg's work was well-regarded during his lifetime, and he exhibited at the National Academy of Design, where he was elected an associate member in 1856. His contributions to American art include not only his miniatures but also his influence on the transition from miniature to larger portrait formats as photography began to emerge.