![]() ![]() Fidelia was a woman who knew loss, financial struggles, illness, and, loneliness. 18).įidelia’s personal story adds even more value to her paintings. (Manthorne, 2012, p.32) She was also the “first female member to join the American Society of Painters in Water Color (now known as the The American Watercolor Society) in 1875” (Orlomoski, 2012, para. In 1873, her work was further endorsed when she was elected an Associate of the National Academy of Design, one of only two living female members at the time. Her subject matter is at times is so luminous and three-dimensional, an appropriate description would be sculptural (Manthorne, 2012, p.32).įidelia became a success, exhibiting and selling numerous original pieces of art as well as reproductions in the form of lithographs, illustrated cards, calendars, and books. She was particularly gifted in depicting light. She was known to set out to paint in the field – in particular, the salt marshes of Stratford, Connecticut where she studied nature and created “miniature coastal ecosystems” (Manthorne, 2012, p.31). Fidelia’s compositions are unique – perhaps influenced by Asian paintings she would have encountered through her father’s trading. She initially painted in oils, but after travelling to Europe with friends to further study, she returned to Brooklyn and dedicated herself to watercolors and wildlife.įidelia’s watercolors are known for their exquisite detail. ![]() Fidelia studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy, partly funded by the family for whom she worked. During this period, friend and sculptor, Anne Whitney encouraged Fidelia to pursue a career in art. Fidelia took on employment as a mother’s helper to make ends meet. In 1856, Eliza died of tuberculosis, leaving Fidelia and her two remaining siblings to struggle once again with loss and financial hardship. During this period Fidelia took art lessons and was exposed to the work of other emerging artists seen in Brooklyn, New York. But Fidelia fell ill at the news of her parents’ deaths and was often cared for by family friends. Fidelia’s oldest sister, Eliza, took charge initially by teaching and earning what she could. The Bridges’ children, ages fourteen to twenty-five, were left to fend for themselves. Her mother’s death followed three months later. But her life changed drastically when her father died when Fidelia was just fifteen years old. Fortunately for us, she had the courage to follow that path.įidelia grew up comfortably, as one of four children of a sea captain and his wife in Salem, Massachusetts. ![]() Her path led to a distinguished career as an inspiring watercolorist. Fidelia Bridges strayed from the beaten path of the traditional Victorian American woman. She could have been speaking of another nineteenth century American artist, Fidelia Bridges (1834-1923). Harriet Hosmer, a nineteenth century American sculptor, wrote the above statement in 1883. I honor every woman who has strength enough to step out of the beaten path when she feels that her walk lies in another, strength enough to stand up and be laughed at, if necessary…But in a few years it will not be thought strange that women should be preachers and sculptors, and everyone who comes after us will have to bear fewer and fewer blows. ![]()
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