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Dickinson, Anson, 1779-1852

 Person

Biography

Anson Dickinson was born in the Milton section of Litchfield in 1779. He apprenticed as a silversmith with local craftsmen Isaac Thompson and family history states that Dickinson showed artistic abilities from a young age. It is not clear if Dickinson received any formal training. As a young man he moved first to New Haven and later to New York City where he befriended contemporary painters and possibly improved his technique through their acquaintance.

Dickinson began painting around 1803. Unable to support himself in a single location, Dickinson traveled from town to town in search of commissions. He stopped in Litchfield numerous times on his trips up and down the east coast. He also traveled as far north as Canada and far south as Charleston, South Carolina.

Over his fifty year career Dickinson painted 1500 individuals. His sitters ranged from prominent members of Congress and state government officials to students attending the Litchfield Law School and Litchfield Female Academy. Dickinson was celebrated during his lifetime and considered one of the finest miniature painters of the early 19th century.

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

Anson Dickinson Day proclamation

00-2010-172-0

 Collection
Identifier: 00-2010-172-0
Abstract

Proclamation of the Town of Litchfield that Oct. 21, 1984, be designated Anson Dickinson Day, signed by Charles A. Dobos, First Selectman.

Dates: translation missing: en.enumerations.date_label.created: 1984 Oct 21

Anson Dickinson Note

Digital Object ID ##75lzyv

 Digital Record
Identifier: Digital Object ID ##75lzyv
Dates: Digitized: 1806

Anson Dickinson Sketch 2

Digital Object ID ##5enkna

 Digital Record
Identifier: Digital Object ID ##5enkna
Dates: Digitized: 1806

Anson Dickinson Sketch 3

Digital Object ID ##24mpf3

 Digital Record
Identifier: Digital Object ID ##24mpf3
Dates: Digitized: 1806

Anson Dickinson Sketch 4

Digital Object ID ##dgbw9g

 Digital Record
Identifier: Digital Object ID ##dgbw9g
Dates: Digitized: 1806

Anson Dickinson Sketch 5

Digital Object ID ##fmj6rc

 Digital Record
Identifier: Digital Object ID ##fmj6rc
Dates: Digitized: 1806

Anson Dickinson Sketch Book

00-1951-03-2

 Collection
Identifier: 00-1951-03-2
Scope and Contents

The Anson Dickinson Sketch Book collection (1951-03-2) is a sketch book containing over seventy sketches. Most of the sketches are of figures in the nude with classical drapery. Some of the sketches are for engravings. Also part of the collection is a letter in which Dickinson describes his views on art and the idea of  a painter.

Dates: translation missing: en.enumerations.date_label.created: 1806; Other: Date acquired: 05/06/1953

Mona Leithiser Dearborn files on Anson Dickinson

2016-39-0

 Collection
Identifier: 2016-39-0
Content Description This collection is composed of research materials compiled by Mona Dearborn all relating to the miniature portrait artist Anson Dickinson(1779-1852). The materials in the collection are a combination of trade cards, workbooks, and various other documents that confirm the legitimacy of various portraits attributed to Anson Dickinson. The collection is composed of the work Anson Dickinson completed from 1803-1851 the start and end of his career as a portraiture artist. The total collection...
Dates: 1980-2016; Date materials were acquired.

William Mitchell Van Winkle papers

00-1993-23-0

 Collection
Identifier: 00-1993-23-0
Scope and Contents

Announcement for auction of all items in the mansion, Hillhome, the residence of William Mitchell Van Winkle, Jr. (1913-2004), containing a detailed listing of contents of the mansion, 1939; Anson Dickinson miniatures documentation from the National Portrait Gallery, 1983; Hillhome sales brochures, ads, listing agreement, and related materials, 1984.

Dates: translation missing: en.enumerations.date_label.created: 1939-1984; Other: Date acquired: 08/07/1993

Additional filters:

Type
Digital Record 5
Collection 4
 
Subject
Litchfield (Conn.) 2
Bantam (Conn.) 1
Ephemera 1
Inventories 1
Milton (Conn.) 1
∨ more