John Frederick Kensett was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, in 1816. Trained in engraving in his father's business and then with his uncle, he acquired a linear precision which would remain sensitive in his landscapes. In 1840, he left for Europe with Thomas Rossiter and John William Casilear. For seven years he studied in England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, looking at Constable, the old masters and the Alpine landscapes. Returning to New York in 1847, he became a major figure in the second generation of the Hudson River School and was elected to the National Academy in 1849. His views of mountains, lakes and especially the New England coast simplified gradually the pattern. Landing at Sabbath Day Point organizes shore, water and distance in stable light. An October day in the White Mountains retains more relief and seasonal color. After purchasing land on Contentment Island, off the coast of Darien, he painted Long Island Sound with a radical economy: sky, water, rock and tree were enough to make the air almost tangible. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Having died in 1872, he remained one of the most subtle interpreters of American light. Died in 1872, he remained one of the most subtle interpreters of American light. Having died in 1872, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870, Kensett actively participated in New York artistic life. Trustee founder of the Metropolitan on the Sound, Darien, Connecticut and An October Day in the White Mountains. His reading favors composition.
Kensett gradually removes the anecdote from the landscape until water, stone and air become the real protagonists.