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Thomas Hill

Thomas Hill was born in England in 1829, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1844. His formal art studies were at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. In the 1850’s, Hill often painted in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with artists such as Albert Bierstadt, George Innes, and Asher Durand.

Fleeing the harsh winters of the East, Hill moved to California in 1861, setting up a studio in San Francisco. Hill enjoyed strong success in San Francisco, especially after taking on Yosemite as his subject. Hill built a studio in Yosemite in 1883 and painted prolifically. During this time his works were very much in demand and commanding tremendous prices.

Even before the land around Yosemite Valley became part of Yosemite National Park in 1890, the breathtaking views of this area captivated countless notable artists and writers. The stunning waterfalls, majestic granite cliffs and scenic vistas were favorite subjects of this famous 19th century landscape artist. One of the most acclaimed painters in the history of American art, Thomas Hill is especially well known for his western landscapes and panoramic views of our National Parks, including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

What is it that has always attracted people to Early California painting? Works created during the period between 1870 and 1940 continue to remain popular among people of all ages, and the history of art in California is quite literally the history of the people, places, and events that have shaped the world we live in.

California landscape paintings, plein air works in particular, call attention to the exceptional and unparalleled beauty of the hills, mountains, deserts, and farmlands of the Golden State. These cherished historic works remind us of a romantic era and quieter times in the “Land of Sunshine and Opportunity”. Paintings from this special era in California history make us feel connected to the past, connected to the land and the environment around us, connected to the artists through time, and to each other. Paintings by artists such as Thomas Hill serve to motivate us to care for the land and have inspired generations of environmentalists.

Hill was one of the founding members of the San Francisco Art Association, and was also a member of that city's Bohemian Club, joining this renowned men's organization in 1873.

In 1886, he became Director of the California School of Fine Arts, when his friend, artist Virgil Williams, passed away. Hill left this position in 1887 when he boarded a cruise to Alaska after John Muir commissioned him to paint Muir Glacier in Glacier Bay.

However, like Bierstadt in the East, Hill's work lost favor with American tastes which, by the mid-1890’s viewed his works as old fashioned. His work was rediscovered in the second half of the 20th century, and the popularity of his paintings began to increase again. Today he is known as one of the most important painters from this era in art history. A series of strokes debilitated Hill, beginning in 1896, and his death in 1908 is believed to have been a suicide.

Public Collections (partial list):
Crocker Art Museum
Oakland Museum of California
Phoenix Art Museum
The White House
New York Historical Society
Metropolitan Museum of Art - View of Yosemite Valley, 1885
West Point Museum
Gilcrease Museum
Brigham Young University Museum