Dickinson, Anson, 1779-1852
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
Proclamation of the Town of Litchfield that Oct. 21, 1984, be designated Anson Dickinson Day, signed by Charles A. Dobos, First Selectman.
Anson Dickinson Note
Digital Object ID ##75lzyv
Anson Dickinson Sketch 2
Digital Object ID ##5enkna
Anson Dickinson Sketch 3
Digital Object ID ##24mpf3
Anson Dickinson Sketch 4
Digital Object ID ##dgbw9g
Anson Dickinson Sketch 5
Digital Object ID ##fmj6rc
Anson Dickinson Sketch Book
00-1951-03-2
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.
Mona Leithiser Dearborn files on Anson Dickinson
2016-39-0
William Mitchell Van Winkle papers
00-1993-23-0
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.
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