Beschreibung:

David Howard Hitchcock (American, 1861-1943) Big Island of Hawaii Signed and inscribed "D. HOWARD HITCHCOCK H.I." l.l. Oil on canvas, 14 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (36.0 x 51.0 cm), frame probably of Koa wood. Condition: Lined, scattered retouch. Provenance: Descended within a Hawaiian family. N.B. Native Hawaiian artist David Howard Hitchcock was born at Hilo in 1861. His earliest formal training was under Jules Tavernier who traveled to Hilo in 1885 with fellow landscape painter Joseph Strong (1852-1899). Hitchcock joined the two artists on a sketching expedition to Kilauea volcano, which instilled in the young Hitchcock a love of painting as well as a special attachment to the forms and varied light qualities of volcanoes. In fact Hitchcock and Tavernier, along with Charles Furneaux (1835-1913), became known locally as the "Volcano School." Tavernier became Hitchcock's life-long mentor and encouraged him to pursue formal training, both at the California School of Design and at the Académie Julian in Paris. Hitchcock was said to be the first Hawaii-born painter to receive formal art training in Paris. After his academic training, Hitchcock returned to Hawaii and continued to paint the landscape, gaining popularity and critical acclaim for his ability to capture the effects of tropical light. He had studios in Hilo and later Honolulu, and he traveled to and painted all the islands. He also played a major role in the development of the artistic community of Hawaii, helping found the Kilohana Art League and the Honolulu Art Society.