Ralph Earl Biography

Ralph Earl spent his career working in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont and also in England from 1778 to 1785. This period overseas was a result of his loyalty to the British government, putting his life in danger during the American Revolution. He painted landscapes, battle scenes and portraits, focusing mostly on the latter. He studied with Benjamin West in London, giving him a more sophisticated style. His portraits were praised for depicting the New England character in a blunt manner, putting emphasis on personal possession. Earl left both his wives, was imprisoned for debt, and died from alcoholism.