Rufus Hathaway

Rufus Hathaway was an American artist born in 1825 and passed away in 1880. He was associated with the American folk art movement, a genre characterized by its self-taught artists and often simplistic, yet expressive, style. Hathaway's work primarily consisted of portraiture, capturing the likenesses of individuals in his community with a distinctive, unembellished approach. His paintings are noted for their directness and the subtle charm of their naive execution, contributing to the broader appreciation of folk art in the United States. Throughout his career, Hathaway remained largely regional, with his works reflecting the cultural and social milieu of 19th-century America. His legacy endures through the preservation of his paintings in various folk art collections, which continue to offer insight into the period's artistic practices.