Lars Gustav Sellstedt Paintings

Lars Gustav Sellstedt was a Swedish-American painter and writer, born on January 30, 1819, in Sundsvall, Sweden. His journey to becoming an artist was quite unconventional. Sellstedt started his life at sea, sailing to different parts of the world as a sailor. It was during his time at sea that he began to sketch and paint, primarily self-taught, developing his skills by capturing scenes from his travels.

In 1842, Sellstedt settled in Buffalo, New York, where he transitioned from a sailor to a full-time artist. His career in Buffalo flourished as he became a prominent portrait painter, capturing the likenesses of many notable figures of his time. Sellstedt's portraits are characterized by their realism and attention to detail, which gained him a reputation among the elite society of Buffalo.

Aside from his portraiture, Sellstedt was also interested in landscape painting and was influenced by the Hudson River School, a mid-19th century American art movement that was known for its romantic portrayals of the American landscape. Although not as widely recognized for his landscapes, Sellstedt did contribute to the genre with his depictions of the American scenery, particularly that of the areas surrounding Buffalo and the Great Lakes.

Sellstedt was also actively involved in the development of the art community in Buffalo. He was a founding member of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy in 1862, which later became the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. His leadership and commitment to the arts played a significant role in fostering an environment where arts could thrive in the region. In recognition of his contributions, he served as the president of the academy for several years.

In his later years, Sellstedt wrote an autobiography titled 'From Forecastle to Academy, Sailor and Artist,' which was published in 1904. This work provides insights into his life and the evolution of his career from a sailor to a respected artist. Lars Gustav Sellstedt's perseverance and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Buffalo.

Sellstedt continued to paint until his death at the age of 92 on May 14, 1911, in Buffalo, New York. His works are a testament to his skill and are preserved in various collections, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, serving as a reminder of his significant contribution to the arts in America.