Jasper Francis Cropsey

American, 1823-1900

Jasper Francis Cropsey was a prominent figure in 19th-century American art and a leading voice of the Hudson River School. Originally trained as an architect, he brought structural clarity to his landscapes that set his work apart, often framing natural forms with an architectural precision that underscored his technical mastery.

Born on Staten Island, Cropsey exhibited at the National Academy of Design by the early 1840s and spent formative years in Europe, painting in Rome and London. Exposure to European Romanticism enriched his palette and deepened his engagement with light and atmosphere, though his subject matter remained rooted in American scenery. His sweeping views of the American countryside, particularly autumnal scenes, earned him acclaim at home and abroad. He became known as “America’s painter of autumn.”

In 1866, he became a founding member of the American Watercolor Society, further expanding his influence. He was also a frequent exhibitor at international expositions, including the Royal Academy in London, helping to elevate American landscape painting on a global stage. Cropsey’s deep respect for nature and national identity is evident throughout his work, which blended romantic idealism with meticulous draftsmanship.

His paintings are held in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. His longtime home and studio, Ever Rest in Hastings-on-Hudson, remains preserved as a museum dedicated to his life and work.