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William Aiken Walker
A genre painter, William Aiken Walker is primarily known for his impressions of plantations, cotton fields, African American sharecroppers, and dock scenes depicting the cotton culture. The son of a prominent cotton agent, he was a true Southerner, born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1838. Although he studied in Dusseldorf in the 1860's, he was primarily a self taught, itinerant painter. A social and friendly man, Walker often entertained friends with stories of his travels, which included Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas. Throughout the Civil War, Walker remained in Charleston, becoming a member of the Confederate Engineer Corps, drafting sketches, and preparing maps for the Confederacy. From 1876 to 1905, Walker regarded New Orleans as his home. There he became good friends with Everett B.D. Julio, with whom he tried to form an art league. Although their project did not succeed, their efforts led to what would later become the Southern Art Union, in 1880 the earliest such association in New Orleans. Currier & Ives published several color lithographs of Walker's work in 1884, most notably Cotton Plantation on the Mississippee and The Levee, New Orleans, and his recognition soon grew. He also enjoyed North Carolina, and spent many summers at Arden Park Lodge in the Asheville area, where he became artist in residence. William Aiken Walker died in Charleston in 1921. Sold works: |
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106-A Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
843.720.8622
info@carolinagalleries.com
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