Hamilton Easter Field

Hamilton Easter Field (1873–1922) was an American artist, art patron, connoisseur, and teacher, as well as critic, publisher, and dealer. Highly regarded for his knowledge of Japanese prints and his passion for American folk art and crafts, he was also praised for his devotion to contemporary American art, for his defense of non-juried art exhibitions, and for the support he gave to talented artists. At his death, the painter Wood Gaylor said of him: "Mr. Field was one of those rare personalities that come to the front once in a century or so. A combination of painter, critic, teacher and editor, he gave all his time and genius to the furtherance of American art...." A reporter for the society weekly, Brooklyn Life, offered the following assessment of Field in a lengthy profile published in 1912 that showed how much stature he had already achieved a full ten years before the eulogies that accompanied his death: "Possessed of magnetic personality, a broad-minded culture and with intense enthusiasm, his ready sympathy and quick recognition of other men's powers and ability made him much sought after and extremely popular in Paris during the year years immediately preceding and following the exposition. ... Better known as a promoter, collector and connoisseur in art, Mr. Field exemplifies in his work the higher ideal individuality demanded in the past for the rank of an artist; a certain largeness of vision, a command and knowledge of the sister arts of music, drama and literature."