William Glackens (1870 - 1938)

William Glackens

William Glackens was an American painter, illustrator, and journalist, one of the leading artists of American impressionism. In his youth he worked for a newspaper where he was an illustrator. Glackens later moved to New York City, where he worked as an artist and illustrator for the New York Herald and Philadelphia Press magazines and newspapers.

In the early twentieth century Glackens became known for his vivid and energetic paintings reflecting life in the city, theater productions, cafes, and parks. He was one of the founders of the Association of American Artists and was involved in the organization of the famous Armory Show in New York in 1913, which was an important event in American art history. In 1912 Gluckens met the French impressionist Pierre Auguste Renoir, who greatly influenced his style.

Gluckens was also inspired by the work of European artists Edouard Manet, Jean-Louis Forain and Gustave Caybotte. Gluckens left behind a rich legacy of vibrant, emotional works that to this day remain among the most significant in American art history.