Name William Hennessy Role Artist | Died December 27, 1917, Sussex | |
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Education National Academy Museum and School | ||
William J. Hennessy (1839-1917) Irish artist ✽ Ernesto Cortazar / You Are My Destiny
Artwork of the Isles Irish painter William J Hennessy
William John Hennessy (July 11, 1839 – December 27, 1917) was an Irish artist.
Contents
- William J Hennessy 1839 1917 Irish artist Ernesto Cortazar You Are My Destiny
- Artwork of the Isles Irish painter William J Hennessy
- Biography
- References
Biography
William John Hennessy (originally Ó hAonghusa) was born in Thomastown, County Kilkenny in 1839. His father, John Hennessy, was forced to leave Ireland in 1848 as a result of his involvement in the Young Ireland movement. He landed in Canada and settled in New York City. William, his mother Catherine, and brother joined their father there in 1849. He gained admittance to the National Academy of Design in 1854 and exhibitioned his first works there.
Hennessy developed a skill in wood engraving and was hired to illustrate the works of renowned poets, including that of Tennyson, Longfellow and Whittier. As an American he became the co-founder of the Artists’ Fund Society, and an honorary member of the American Society of Painters in Watercolours. In 1870 he moved to London where he became a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1902. Between 1879 and 1907 the Royal Hibernian Academy displayed eight of his paintings.
