Enoch Wood Perry, Jr. was an American painter known for his genre and portrait works. Born on February 23, 1831, in Boston, Massachusetts, Perry was raised in New Orleans, where he developed an early interest in art. He studied under notable artists such as Emanuel Leutze in Düsseldorf and Thomas Couture in Paris, which exposed him to various artistic styles and techniques.
During his career, Perry traveled extensively, which influenced his artistic development. He spent significant time in Europe, where he absorbed the styles of the Old Masters, and later in Hawaii, where he was commissioned to paint portraits of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. Perry's works often reflect his diverse experiences and locations, from scenes of Southern life to depictions of Native American culture.
Perry was also a member of the National Academy of Design and served in the Union Army as a captain during the American Civil War, an experience that informed some of his art. After the war, he continued to paint and exhibit his works, gaining recognition for his detailed and realistic portrayals. Enoch Wood Perry's legacy includes a rich body of work that provides a window into the cultural and historical aspects of the 19th century in America and beyond.
He passed away on October 4, 1915, in New York City. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to American art, and his paintings remain in collections of major museums and institutions across the United States.