Emily Harris Mcgary Selinger Paintings

Emily Harris McGary Selinger was an American artist, poet, and art instructor born on August 22, 1848, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her artistic talents emerged early in her life, and she was recognized for her contributions to the world of art as a painter, particularly of floral subjects, and as a writer. Selinger's education in art began in earnest when she studied under William Morris Hunt in Boston, one of the most prominent American painters of his time. Her education continued in Europe, a common practice for American artists of the period who sought to refine their techniques and engage with the rich artistic traditions of the Old World.

Selinger's time in Europe was particularly influential in her development as an artist. She studied in Paris at the prestigious Académie Julian, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of renowned artists such as Tony Robert-Fleury and William-Adolphe Bouguereau. The Académie was one of the few European art institutions that accepted female students, and Selinger took full advantage of this opportunity to immerse herself in the rigorous academic training it offered. Her stay in Europe also included time in Germany and Italy, which allowed her to absorb a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

Returning to the United States, Selinger established herself in Boston and later in Providence, Rhode Island. Her work received considerable acclaim, and she became an active member of the art community, exhibiting at various venues such as the Boston Art Club, the Providence Art Club, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She was also involved with the Women Painters of Washington and the Copley Society.

As an artist, Selinger was best known for her delicate and detailed floral paintings, which reflected both her technical skill and her deep appreciation for nature's beauty. Her still life compositions often depicted flowers with a softness and realism that were highly regarded by her contemporaries. Beyond her painting, Selinger was also a respected poet and her literary works were published in various periodicals of the time.

In addition to her work as a creator, Emily Selinger was dedicated to the education of the next generation of artists. She taught art in Providence and was an advocate for the professional development of women in the arts. Her efforts contributed to the growing acceptance and recognition of female artists in a field that was predominantly male-dominated.

Emily Harris McGary Selinger passed away on December 7, 1927, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievement and influence. Her work continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors, and her contributions to the arts, both as an educator and as a practitioner, have ensured her a lasting place in the history of American art.