Skip to main content

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 1 Collection or Record:

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.

Filtered By

  • Subject: Milton (Conn.) X