Background
Henry Kirke was born on February 24, 1814 in Leyden, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Elijah and Rhoda (Childs) Brown.
Henry Kirke was born on February 24, 1814 in Leyden, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Elijah and Rhoda (Childs) Brown.
Brown began to paint portraits while still a boy, studied painting in Boston under Chester Harding, learned a little about modelling, and in 1836-1839 spent his summers working as a railroad engineer to earn enough to enable him to study further.
Henry Kirke Brown went to Cincinnati, where he sculpted his 1st head in clay in 1836-1837. He was a sculptor in Troy and Albany (New York), 1839-1842, Rome, Italy, 1842-1846. Maintained studio, New York City, 1846-1850. He built his own bronze foundry. Moved studio to Brooklyn, 1850. Became full member National Academy Design, 1851. His Union Square group unveiled, New York City, 1856. Became officer United States Sanitary Commission. Member Art Commission appointed by President Buchanan, 1859-1860. He lived in Newburgh, New York, 1861-1886.
Henry Kirke Brown was married to Lydia Louise Udall.