Ives, J.M Paintings

James Merritt Ives was an American lithographer, bookkeeper, and businessman best known for his partnership with Nathaniel Currier in the famous printmaking firm Currier & Ives. Born on March 5, 1824, in New York City, Ives came from a modest background and initially worked as a bookkeeper. His artistic talents were largely self-taught, and he developed an interest in prints and lithography early on.

In 1852, Ives joined the firm of Nathaniel Currier, who had been successfully running a lithographic business since 1834. Ives brought managerial skills and a keen eye for popular subjects to the business. In 1857, the partnership of Currier & Ives was formally established, and the firm rapidly became one of the most successful and prolific printmaking companies in the United States. Their prints captured a wide array of subjects, including historical events, landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes that illustrated various aspects of 19th-century American life.

Ives played a critical role in selecting the images and managing the production process, which involved a team of artists, lithographers, and colorists. The firm's work was highly regarded for its quality and attention to detail. Despite the lack of formal training, Ives had a natural instinct for what would appeal to the American public and often contributed to the conceptualization of the images. Currier & Ives prints were affordable and widely distributed, making them a staple in American homes and businesses.

James Merritt Ives passed away on January 3, 1895. Today, their prints are considered valuable historical documents and collectibles, offering insight into the visual culture of the 19th century. The legacy of Currier & Ives, and by extension, J.M. Ives, lives on in the nostalgia for the 'Currier & Ives America,' an idealized version of the country's past that their prints helped to disseminate and perpetuate.