Seeing the bold, confident handling with which Frank Duveneck (1848–1919) infuses life into his subjects can be breathtaking.

This is the first major publication in more than 30 years devoted to Duveneck, one of the most influential and widely respected late-nineteenth century American artists.Beloved to his students, Duveneck was lauded by many Gilded Age luminaries such as James Abbott McNeill Whistler and Henry James. Yet a century after his death, he is largely known only for a single, brilliant painting, The Whistling Boy.

By contextualizing his work in the artistic, cultural and social milieus of the time, this publication offers diverse perspectives on Duveneck’s life, work, subjects and reputation. The essays span his beginnings as a painter of dark realism to his later impressionistic work and examine his significance as a printmaker and draftsman. The lavishly illustrated volume includes a chronology and selected bibliography.