Eliphalet Frazer Andrews Paintings

Eliphalet Frazer Andrews was an American painter known for his portraits of eminent personalities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on August 29, 1835, in Steubenville, Ohio, Andrews demonstrated a keen interest in art from an early age. He pursued his artistic education in the United States and then moved to Europe, where he studied under several prominent artists, including Thomas Couture in Paris, who was well-known for his history paintings and rigorous academic training method.

Andrews' work received recognition and acclaim upon his return to the United States. In 1871, he was commissioned by the state of Ohio to paint portraits of the Ohio-born presidents up to that time for the Ohio Statehouse, a significant commission that helped solidify his reputation. His portraits were characterized by their realistic style and attention to detail, which was well-suited to the tastes of the period.

In addition to his portrait work, Andrews was also a key figure in the development of art education in the United States. In 1875, he became the director of the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., where he influenced the growth and direction of the institution. His tenure at the Corcoran School lasted for over three decades, during which time he educated many aspiring artists and helped to foster a vibrant artistic community in the nation's capital.

Over the course of his career, Andrews painted numerous notable figures, including U.S. Presidents, members of Congress, and other prominent individuals in society. His portraits can be found in various institutions, including the U.S. Capitol, state capitols, and in other collections.

Eliphalet Frazer Andrews' life and work bridged the antebellum and post-Civil War periods in American art, reflecting the cultural and social changes of his time. He passed away on February 16, 1915, in Washington, D.C. Although not as widely remembered today as some of his contemporaries, Andrews' contributions to American portraiture and art education were significant in the context of the late 19th century artistic landscape.