Homer Dodge Martin

American (1836-1897)

Born in Albany, New York, Martin worked as a carpenter and architect before turning to painting in the 1850s. Primarily self-taught as an artist, Martin did study briefly with James MacDougal Hart before moving to New York City in 1862. Martin made several trips to Europe, one in 1876, where he met Whistler in London, as well as an extended stay in Normandy from 1881-1886. These European trips influenced his work greatly as Martin’s work transitioned from the Hudson River School tradition to a more tonalist, Barbizon School influenced style. He was well-known for his melancholy and poetic landscapes.

Martin was a member of the National Academy, and exhibited his works at the National Academy, the Brooklyn Art Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Boston Art Club. His works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Corcoran Gallery, the National Museum of American Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Shelburne, VT Museum.