Ellen Day Hale Paintings

Ellen Day Hale was an American Impressionist painter and printmaker from a prominent artistic family. She was born on February 11, 1855, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father, Edward Everett Hale, was a notable Unitarian preacher, writer, and philanthropist, and her aunt, Sarah Preston Hale, was also a painter. This rich artistic environment greatly influenced Ellen's career and development as an artist.

Ellen Day Hale initially studied art with her aunt and later attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She continued her education abroad, which was quite progressive for a woman of her time, studying under various artists in Paris including Emile-Auguste Carolus-Duran and at the Académie Julian. During her time in Europe, Hale was exposed to the works of the Impressionists, which had a profound impact on her style, leading her to adopt their light color palette and loose brushwork.

Hale's work often featured portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. She was particularly known for her ability to capture the individuality of her subjects with a sense of intimacy and immediacy. One of her most celebrated works is the 1885 painting 'Self-Portrait', which showcases her confident brushwork and use of light. Hale was also a member of the New English Art Club, where she was one of the few American members.

In addition to painting, Hale was an accomplished printmaker and illustrator. She created illustrations for children's books and contributed to the family's literary productions. Throughout her career, Hale exhibited her work widely, including at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Paris Salon. She was an active participant in the cultural life of Boston and had a significant role in the promotion of women artists in the United States.

Ellen Day Hale never married, and she lived much of her life in the company of fellow female artists, which was reflective of the progressive and somewhat bohemian lifestyle she led for a woman of her era. She died on February 11, 1940, on her 85th birthday, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Her legacy is preserved through her works, which are held in various collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.