Henry Singlewood Bisbing was an American painter known for his animal scenes, particularly horse subjects, as well as his landscapes and marine paintings. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1849, Bisbing displayed an early talent for art, which he pursued throughout his life, although he was largely self-taught.
He began his career as a lithographer, but soon turned to painting. Bisbing's work was often characterized by a realistic representation of his subjects, with particular attention to detail, which was appreciated by his contemporaries. His paintings often captured the dynamic essence of horses, reflecting his deep understanding and appreciation of these animals.
Despite his skill and the quality of his work, Bisbing did not gain significant fame during his lifetime. He traveled extensively, which influenced his artistic style. His travels took him to Europe, including Paris, where he was exposed to various artistic movements and techniques that were to influence his work. He spent significant time in the artistic circles of Paris in the late 1870s and early 1880s, which was a formative period for his artistic development.
Upon returning to the United States, Bisbing settled in New York, where he continued to paint and exhibit his works. He became associated with the American Watercolor Society and participated in their exhibitions. His works were also shown at the National Academy of Design.
Bisbing's paintings are now held in various art collections and have been exhibited posthumously. His contributions to American art, particularly in the genre of animal painting, have been reassessed and recognized more fully in the years following his death in 1933. Today, Bisbing is remembered as a talented artist who captured the spirit of the American landscape and its animal life with a unique and enduring charm.