Murray Hantman

American (1904-1999)

Modernist painter Murray Hantman received his formal art training at the Detroit Museum of Art School and the Detroit School of Design. In 1918 he moved to New York and attended the Art Students League. During the early 1930s, Hantman lived in California, painting with Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, whose artwork was known for his social commentary.

By 1934, Hantman had returned to New York City, where he continued to paint. Hantman was also an accomplished jazz pianist and teacher, and taught for twenty years at the Brooklyn Museum School. Hantman participated in many exhibitions throughout his 60 year career as an artist, in New York, Maine and California.

In 1945 Murray Hantman began summering on Monhegan Island. Captivated by the island’s rugged beauty, he returned each summer for 30 years to paint. After his death, many of his Monhegan Island paintings were given to the Portland (ME) Museum of Art.