Sarah Paxton Ball Dodson

Sarah Paxton Ball Dodson (February 22, 1847 – January 8, 1906) was an American-born artist who was recognized as one of the leading American women artists in Paris during the 1880s, and whose artwork was exhibited at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Dodson's artistic interests were broad, from the semi-classic French influence of her earlier works, such as La Danse, to the schools of the Italian Renaissance, followed by a period of realistic portraiture, including one of her more famous works, The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, painted in 1883. Her later works blended realism and idealism. Her interests in nature and poetry were reflected in her works.

Early life and education Sarah Paxton Ball Dodson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 1847. She was the only daughter of Richard Whatcoat Dodson and Harriott Dodson. Her father was a man of artistic tastes who had done amateur line engraving and miniature painting work before his eyesight began to fail at a young age. Dodson's artistic tendencies developed early, when she began drawing at the age of three. Richard Dodson discouraged his daughter's artistic pursuits, being strongly opposed to the serious pursuit of art by women.

Artistic career

Dodson was recognized as one of the leading American women artists of the late 19th century.

Later life and death She was living in France in 1891 when she decided to move to Brighton, England, Dodson's work was frequently interrupted by poor health. A very serious illness that affected her from 1893–1894 nearly ended her career: she was never again able to stand while painting and was forced to take frequent breaks from her work, which was consequently limited to sketches and smaller paintings. She was working on the unfinished The Annunciation on the day of her death in 1906.

Collections Her works are among the collections of: Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania