James Herring Paintings

James Herring was an American artist, best known for his contributions to portrait painting and his role in documenting contemporary figures in American history. Born on January 12, 1794, in London, England, Herring immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a child, and they settled in New York.

Herring's early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he developed a keen interest in art from a young age. In his early career, he worked as a portrait painter, capturing the likenesses of notable individuals of his time. He also engaged in other artistic pursuits, including the creation of miniatures and the invention of a type of color printing.

One of Herring's most significant contributions to the art world and American culture was his founding of the Apollo Association for the Promotion of the Fine Arts in America in 1839, which later became the American Art-Union. This organization aimed to stimulate the arts in the United States by commissioning works, organizing exhibitions, and distributing engravings to its subscribers, thereby fostering an appreciation for fine art among the American public.

In addition to his work with the Apollo Association, Herring is remembered for his collaboration with James Barton Longacre in producing the National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans. This ambitious project, which commenced in 1834, was a multi-volume series of books that contained biographies and engravings of prominent Americans. Through this work, Herring played a crucial role in recording and disseminating the images and stories of key figures in American history.

Despite his efforts, Herring struggled financially, and the American Art-Union eventually closed down due to legal issues. Nevertheless, Herring's legacy lived on through his portraits and the impact of the National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans.

James Herring passed away on October 18, 1867, in White Plains, New York. His contributions to American art, particularly in the realm of portraiture and the promotion of the arts, have left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape of the United States.