Platt Powell Hubbard was an American artist known for his etchings, illustrations, and paintings. Born on December 17, 1875, in San Francisco, California, Hubbard was exposed to the arts at a young age. He studied at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art in San Francisco before moving to the East Coast, where he continued his education at the Art Students League in New York City. He also studied in Paris at the Académie Julian, which was a popular institution among American and international artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Hubbard's career spanned a period of dynamic change in the art world, and he was particularly known for his etchings, a medium that experienced a revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works were often characterized by a strong sense of design and attention to detail, which was well-suited to the etching process. Hubbard was a member of the Chicago Society of Etchers and participated in various exhibitions, where his works were well received.
Aside from his etchings, Hubbard also worked as an illustrator. His illustrations appeared in popular publications of the time, which helped to disseminate his work to a broader audience. While his etchings and illustrations brought him recognition, Hubbard was also a painter, though his paintings are less well-known than his graphic works.
During his lifetime, Hubbard was associated with several art societies and was active in the artistic community. However, despite his involvement and the quality of his work, Hubbard did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. Today, Hubbard's works are part of several collections, and they offer insight into the printmaking techniques and artistic styles of his time.
Platt Powell Hubbard's contribution to American art, particularly in the realm of etching, remains a part of the history of American printmaking. He died on April 16, 1935, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. His legacy is preserved through his etchings and illustrations, which continue to be studied and appreciated by art historians and collectors.