Imogene Robinson Morrell

Imogene Robinson Morrell (1828 – 21 November 1908) was an American portrait and historical painter, who won many medals and diplomas.

Early life Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Imogene Robinson was the daughter of Otis and Sarah Dean (Raymond) Robinson. She studied art in Newark, New Jersey and New York City and then taught art in the Massachusetts towns of Charlestown and Auburndale. In the 1850s she taught at the School of Design in Worcester, Massachusetts with her friend and artist Elizabeth Gardner. and Paris. She painted portraits of a number of famous people, including General John A. Dix, John C. Spencer, Howell Cobb, Mrs. Cleveland, Collis P. Huntington, W. W. Corcoran, and U. S. President Garfield. Her portrait of General John A. Dix hangs in the United States Capitol Building. That same year, the Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine wrote, "Mrs. Morrell's pictures have great and positive merits. They should get fame for any artist. It seems a little pitiful to say that they are wonderful for a woman. Let us rather say that they are honestly and faithfully executed works; that they are not above criticism, and that they do credit to American art."

Later years and death

In 1896 more than 200 of her paintings in a Washington, D.C. warehouse were destroyed by fire, leaving her destitute. After the fire she was supported by her friend, Elizabeth Gardner Bougereau. Morrell died in Washington, D.C., in 1908.