Palmer Hayden | |
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Judging a scene he is painting (early 1930s). |
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Birth name | Peyton Cole Hedgeman |
Born | January 15, 1890 |
Died | February 18, 1973 | (aged 83)
Nationality | American |
Field | Painting |
Palmer C. Hayden (January 15, 1890 – February 18, 1973) was an American painter who depicted African American life. He painted in both oils and watercolors, and was a prolific artist of his era.
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Born on January 15, 1890, Hayden’s original name was Peyton Cole Hedgeman. He was given the name Palmer Hayden by his commanding sergeant during World War I. He grew up in the town of Wide Water, Virginia, and was a self-trained artist.[1] Hayden was one of the first in America to depict African subjects in his paintings.
As a young man, Hayden studied at the Cooper Union in New York City and also practiced independent studies at Boothbay Art Colony in Maine. [1] He won the esteemed Harmon Foundation’s Gold Award for painting twice: first for a seascape entitled Schooners in 1926.[2] One of his most famous pieces was made in 1931–32, a still life called Fetiche et Fleurs. After receiving his Harmon award, supportive patrons granted Hayden money to study in France.[3]
Much of Hayden's influences came from the environment around him. He enjoyed painting, and used his time in Paris for inspiration. Over his next five years in Paris, Hayden was very productive, trying to capture elements of Parisian society. On his return to America, Hayden began working for the United States government.
Much of Hayden’s work after Paris focused on the African American experience. He tried to capture rural life as well as urban backgrounds in New York City. Many of these urban paintings were centered in Harlem.
Hayden continued to make contributions to the artistic community throughout his whole life until his death on February 18, 1973.