Winthrop Chandler

Winthrop Chandler (April 6, 1747 – July 29, 1790) was an American artist known for his portraits, mainly of family members and neighbors, and a few landscapes. He also worked as an ornamental artist.

Life Chandler was born on the family farm, Chandler Hill, located on the boundary between Thompson and Woodstock, Connecticut.

In 1785 Chandler moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he remained for five years. He likely made this move to look for new patrons as he was constantly experiencing financial difficulties. Here he also worked as a house painter.

Work

Chandler was mainly a portrait painter. "In contrast to the many itinerant artists of the time, Chandler did not travel in search of commissions, and most of his sitters were family members or neighbors" of whom he made about 50 portraits. His first known portraits date from 1770.

A set of ornamental landscapes is also attributed to Chandler. These are often based on English prints and local elements such as the New England landscape and buildings.

Chandler's style is characterized by a flat, linear manner of painting and a realistic representation of his sitters. He can best be regarded as a very gifted folk painter.