Charles Ethan Porter ~ Connecticut Painter

Wikipedia's fine Biography of Charles Ethan Porter

This is a 'not-an-option' page at any site about Vernon Rockville area Art.

Charles Ethan Porter was born near here, was a protege of Mark Twain, who raised the money to send Mr. Porter to Paris to refine the training of the talented Rockville, Connecticut native.

He is said to have painted in the Florentine style ~ and always an elegant style.

At one time, his artwork was so much in demand he kept a studio on Fox Hill AND one in Hartford.
He was an important member of the the "Black Elite" in those days, as well. See links below for details.

All sources agree his work was later suppressed by racial discrimination, only to triumphantly re-emerge in these more correct times.

But many of his paintings remain hidden, from those old days, to make grand discoveries by descendants.
The new day we enjoy today is making it possible for all to enjoy his fine work once more...... elle

1.
:
Vernon Historical Society
immediate VHS e-mail link:
jjcarter@juno.com (but m.carter is getting e-mail and phone links for the archivists, and I will forward them, too, as soon as possible)

Links to Charles Ethan Porter art online...
much of it from our Connecticut Historical or the the Amazing Mr. Driskell of Black American Arts Fame.

1. This one from the Arts Center named for the famed David C. Driskell, the Charleton Heston of Black American Arts elite: http://www.driskellcenter.umd.edu/index.php

2.
Thomas Colville Fine Art, LLC http://www.thomascolville.com/catalogue/porter/

3.
Citizens of Color, 1863-1890: The Black Elite: The 'Talented ... Citizens of Color, 1863-1890: The "Talented Tenth". Charles Ethan Porter. Mounting racism certainly was a barrier that narrowed the ... http://www.hartford-hwp.com/HBHP/exhibit/05/3.html

4.
More about the Elite and the Talented Tenth

I hope you will wish to Link to a Top Source for all things "Charles Ethan Porter" at the Vernon Connecticut Historical Society, located northeast of Hartford; we are apples and ice cream and once a Megopolis for Textiles.

Vernon's Fox Hill with its three-state view was Mr. Porter's home for part of his life.

Mr. Porter's archived writings include recommendation from Mark Twain, courtesy letters of introduction, and the Historical Society here has reverently Archived and shared his work and history.

Mr. Porter's work and life are favorite local school display projects.

Whatever your source, do look up his work - it is truly elegant and top-notch!

Charles Ethan Porter, noted Black American Painter