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David Howard Hitchcock: A Life in Hawaiian Art

Early Life and Family Background

Born: May 15, 1861, in Hilo, Hawaii.
His father, also named David Howard Hitchcock (1831–1899), was a lawyer and served in the legislature of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He generally went by D. Howard Hitchcock to distinguish himself from his father.
His mother was Almeda Eliza Widger (1828–1895).
Hitchcock’s family had deep roots in Hawaii, with paternal grandparents who were missionaries – Harvey Rexford Hitchcock and Rebecca Howard.
His sister, Almeda Eliza Hitchcock Moore, became the first woman lawyer in Hawaii.

Education and Artistic Beginnings

Hitchcock graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu.
He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, where he was first exposed to formal art exhibitions.
Upon returning to Hawaii, he began sketching the volcanic landscapes with watercolors.
A pivotal moment came when French artist Jules Tavernier recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue serious artistic study.
He furthered his training at the National Academy of Design in New York City and later at the Académie Julian in Paris (1891-1893), studying under Adolphe Bourguereau and Gabriel Joseph Ferrier.
His work was accepted at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1893.

Artistic Development and Style

Hitchcock became a leading member of Hawaii’s “Volcano School,” known for dramatic depictions of Hawaiian volcanic landscapes.
His early work focused on capturing the raw power and beauty of volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Kea.
He explored various islands, including Kauai (painting Waimea Canyon in 1907) and Maui, documenting their unique geological features.
His style evolved over time, becoming more impressionistic during the late 1920s.

Major Achievements and Recognition

He was a founder of the Kilohana Art League in Honolulu, an influential art program at the turn of the century.
His paintings were exhibited at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle (1909), where he received an award.
He held successful solo exhibitions in California, including San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Hitchcock’s work was included in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco (1915).
He created murals for the Pan-Pacific Union in Honolulu (1919) and painted views of Hawaii for Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company steamers.
Retrospective exhibitions were held at the Honolulu Museum of Art (1936) and at the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939) and New York World’s Fair (1939).

Historical Significance and Legacy

Hitchcock played a crucial role in establishing an artistic identity for Hawaii.
His paintings provide valuable visual documentation of the Hawaiian landscape during a period of significant change.
He was also involved in bringing Boy Scouting to Hawaii around 1910, demonstrating his commitment to community service.
Hitchcock witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor shortly before his death on January 1, 1943, marking a poignant end to a life dedicated to capturing the beauty and spirit of Hawaii.

david howard hitchcock

david howard hitchcock

1861 - 1943

Kortfakta

Birth Date: May 15, 1861
Birth Place: Hilo, Hawaii
Death Date: January 1, 1943
Influenced By:
- Jules Tavernier
- Adolphe Bourguereau
- Gabriel Joseph Ferrier
Movement: Volcano School
Name: David Howard Hitchcock
Nationality: American
Notable Works:
- Floor of Kilauea Caldera
- Mauna Kea
- Waimea Canyon paintings