John Haley Bellamy Paintings

John Haley Bellamy was an American folk artist, best known for his highly stylized eagle wood carvings. He was born on April 18, 1836, in Seabrook, New Hampshire, and later moved to Kittery Point, Maine. Bellamy's work is iconic in American folk art, particularly his eagles, which are often referred to as Bellamy eagles.

Bellamy's artistic journey began in his early years, working in his father's shipyard, where he learned the skills that would later define his craft. His experience in shipbuilding and carving figureheads for ships significantly influenced his artistic style. Bellamy's eagles were characterized by their strong, clean lines, graceful curves, and bold, yet simple, form—qualities that reflected his understanding of aerodynamics and ship design.

During the Civil War, Bellamy served in the Navy, and after his service, he returned to New England to continue his craft. He moved between various locations, including Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Charlestown, Massachusetts, where he worked for the Boston Carving Company. Throughout his career, Bellamy produced not only the famous eagles but also a variety of decorative carvings, including frames, mantelpieces, and even more functional items like trade signs.

Bellamy's eagles became symbolic of American patriotism, with many pieces produced around the time of the centennial celebrations in 1876. His work was in high demand, and he created pieces for both private residences and public buildings. Despite his prolific output, Bellamy did not achieve great wealth from his carvings and lived modestly.

John Haley Bellamy continued to carve into his later years. He passed away on April 6, 1914, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Today, his carvings are highly prized by collectors of folk art and are considered quintessential examples of American decorative art. His legacy lives on in museums, collections, and in the still-popular reproductions of his iconic eagles.