William James Hubard

William James Hubard (1807–1862) was a British-born artist who became a prominent figure in American portraiture. He was associated with the 19th-century American art movement, particularly known for his work in silhouette portraiture and later, oil painting. Hubard immigrated to the United States in the 1820s, where he initially gained recognition for his skill in creating detailed silhouette portraits, a popular art form of the time. Over his career, he transitioned to oil painting, producing portraits of notable figures, which contributed to the documentation of American society during that era. His work is significant for its contribution to the development of portraiture in America, bridging the gap between folk art and more formal academic styles. Hubard's life was tragically cut short when he died in an explosion while experimenting with pyrotechnics in Richmond, Virginia.