Morston Constantine Ream Paintings

Morston Constantine Ream, born in 1840, is a relatively obscure figure in the annals of American art history, yet his contributions and unique path as an artist merit attention. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ream did not initially set out to become an artist. His early life was not well-documented, and details about his upbringing and education remain scarce, contributing to the enigmatic nature of his artistic career.

What is known, however, is that Morston was part of the Ream family, which included several notable figures in the American art scene of the 19th century, such as his brother, Carducius Plantagenet Ream, who gained fame as a still-life painter. This familial connection suggests that Morston was immersed in an environment that valued artistic expression from a young age, although his own journey into the art world took a different path.

Morston's artistic endeavors began to take shape in the latter half of the 19th century. Unlike artists who pursued formal education in prestigious art schools either in the United States or Europe, Morston developed his skills in a more informal setting. His works, though not as widely known or celebrated as those of his brother, exhibit a keen eye for detail and a profound appreciation for the beauty of everyday objects, characteristics that hint at a natural talent honed through practice and observation rather than formal training.

Throughout his career, Morston Constantine Ream specialized in still-life paintings, a genre that was immensely popular in the United States during his lifetime. His creations often featured arrangements of fruits, flowers, and household items, painted with a realism and precision that rivaled the works of more prominent still-life artists of his time. Despite the quality of his work, Morston's art did not achieve the same level of commercial success or critical acclaim as that of some of his peers. This lack of recognition may be attributed to the highly competitive nature of the art market in the 19th century, as well as to the overshadowing presence of his brother, Carducius.

Morston Constantine Ream's life and career came to an end in 1898. While he may not have enjoyed widespread fame during his lifetime, his artworks serve as a testament to his skill and dedication to the craft of painting. Today, his pieces are cherished by collectors and museums that recognize the value of his contribution to American art, even if it was not fully acknowledged in his own time.