American, 1810 - 1885
Junius Brutus Stearns was born and raised in Vermont, but little is known about his youth. Around 1838 he moved to New York City and began attending the National Academy school where he was sporadically matriculated in both the antique and life classes from 1838 to 1849. He began exhibiting his portraits at the Academy and at the Apollo Association in 1838 and quickly established his name as a successful portraitist. During the following years he continued to exhibit frequently at the Academy, but in 1846 he departed New York for a three year sojourn abroad. He visited London, Paris and Rome and, upon seeing the works of the old masters, became increasingly interested in working as a history painter.
After returning to New York, Stearns settled in Brooklyn, but maintained a studio at 497 Broadway with Francois Gignoux. In 1851 he was elected Recording Secretary for the National Academy, a post which he held for the following fifteen years. He began working on numerous historical compositions which included a series depicting the life of George Washington. In 1858 he became a member of the Artists' Fund Society. Although Stearns remained an active member of the Academy throughout his life, he ceased to submit his works to its annual exhibitions in 1860. During the last years of his life he frequently exhibited his works at the Brooklyn Art Association. Upon his death he was eulogized in the Academy's minutes:
He was an active worker in the affairs and interests of our Society and for many years was a constant contributor to our Exhibitions of attractive works in his field of portraiture and historical painting, many of the latter being well known through popular engravings. During a considerable period he filled the office of Recording Secretary of the Academy with ability and faithfulness. While pursuing his art labors with credit to himself, he also took a lively interest in public affairs and was an influential member of the Society in which he lived.
After returning to New York, Stearns settled in Brooklyn, but maintained a studio at 497 Broadway with Francois Gignoux. In 1851 he was elected Recording Secretary for the National Academy, a post which he held for the following fifteen years. He began working on numerous historical compositions which included a series depicting the life of George Washington. In 1858 he became a member of the Artists' Fund Society. Although Stearns remained an active member of the Academy throughout his life, he ceased to submit his works to its annual exhibitions in 1860. During the last years of his life he frequently exhibited his works at the Brooklyn Art Association. Upon his death he was eulogized in the Academy's minutes:
He was an active worker in the affairs and interests of our Society and for many years was a constant contributor to our Exhibitions of attractive works in his field of portraiture and historical painting, many of the latter being well known through popular engravings. During a considerable period he filled the office of Recording Secretary of the Academy with ability and faithfulness. While pursuing his art labors with credit to himself, he also took a lively interest in public affairs and was an influential member of the Society in which he lived.
