I recently spent some time at the National Gallery of Art (West) in Washington DC, and really relished the experience. I noticed that many of the names of the male artists from the late 1800’s – early 1900’s would be perfect for a boy today. All of these painters were American, although some were born in other countries, and they were all landscape artists who used oil on canvas. I found that these were the paintings that my husband was most drawn to in the museum, and thus the names that I noticed. The names all fit into a category I would describe as classic/vintage Americana.
The Artists
Albert – Albert Bierstadt was an American painter who was born in Germany. He is known for his landscapes which he painted on his journeys during the western expansion. This one in particular is entitled Mount Corcoran, and oil painting dated 1876-77. Albert is currently #436 in popularity, and is from English meaning “noble, bright”.
George – George Innes’s style is a bit different from the majority of the other paintings I chose. This one entitled Winter Evening, completed in 1878, has less of a realistic quality but the use of light and the simplicity in it are simply stunning. George currently sits at #134, and has risen in popularity since the birth of the adorable Prince George. It means “farmer” in Greek.
Jasper– Jasper Francis Cropsey, was known for his majestic paintings such as this one titled The Spirit of War, completed in 1851. Jasper currently sits at #218, and means “treasurer” in Persian and was said to belong to one of the Wise Men who visited Jesus. The image at the top was also painted by him in 1865 and entitled the Starrucca Viaduct, Pennsylvania.
Fitz – This name belonged to Fitz Henry Lane who was known for using light to illuminate his paintings. This one is called Lumber Schooners at Evening on Penobscot Bay, completed in 1860. Fitz is not currently in the Top 1000 and traditionally served as a prefix meaning “son of”.
Martin – Martin Johnson Heade preferred exotic surroundings such as palm trees, beaches, and flowers, however he also painted the more traditional landscapes such as this one entitled Haystacks on the Newburyport Marshe from 1871-1875. Martin comes from the Latin and means “Of Mars” as in the Roman god of war, and is currently at #262.
Frederic – Frederic Edwin Church used the sea as inspiration in many of his paintings, this one is entitled The Wreck, was painted in 1852. Frederic comes from Germany and means “peaceful ruler”, and is currently at #497 when spelled Frederick.
Winslow – Winslow Homer created this stunning painting called Breezing Up a Fair Wind in 1876. His paintings differ from the others in that commonly featured human action amidst the landscape of the sea. Winslow is an English name meaning “hill belonging to wine” and is currently not in the Top 1000.
Name Apotheca 