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.
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Kuriame istoriniame laikotarpyje kūrė David Howard Hitchcock?
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