Early Life and Artistic Beginnings John Leslie Breck, born at sea off the coast of Hong Kong in 1860 to a United States naval officer and his wife, embarked on a life destined for artistic expression despite its tragically short duration. His early years were spent in Newton, Massachusetts, where he received a traditional education, attending Governor’s Academy before moving on to St. Mark's School. While these institutions provided a foundation, it was Breck’s subsequent pursuit of formal training that truly ignited his passion. In 1877, he journeyed to Europe, specifically Munich and its p…