The Artistic Evolution of John Humphreys Johnston
Born in New York City, John Humphreys Johnston began his professional journey as a stained glass artist. Working as an assistant to John La Farge at the La Farge Decorative Art Co., he contributed to significant works such as The Vision of St. John the Evangelist for Trinity Church in Boston. Following the dissolution of La Farge's business, Johnston was commissioned by the Crane family to design a triptych memorial stained glass window, St. Celia, for the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown, New Jersey. His expertise in glass also led to the creation of The Vision of St. John and The Two Marys at the Sepulchre for the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan.
After relocating to Europe, Johnston transitioned into a painter known for landscapes, portraits, and allegorical or genre works. His practice involved maintaining studios in both Paris and Venice, Italy. His exhibitions spanned various international locations, including the Champs de Mars Salon in Paris and the Klackner Galleries in New York City. His portfolio from this period included scenes of Brittany, the Caucasus region of Russia, and Spain.
Exhibitions and Accolades
Johnston's career was marked by several prestigious recognitions and inclusions in major exhibitions. His work was featured in several world's fairs, including the 1900 Paris Exposition and the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Notable achievements include:
His paintings are held in various esteemed collections, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
