“Recognized for his sensitive, plein-air depictions of urban Boston, Arthur Clifton Goodwin was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1864. Around 1872, following his father's death, he moved with his mother to Chelsea, Massachusetts. During the 1880s and 1890s he earned his living in a variety of ways, working at one point as a salesman for a wholesale paper firm. A colorful individual, he was active as a dancer and was frequently referred to as the local ‘dandy.’” (1)
“He did not begin painting until the age of thirty and became a self-taught Impressionist and also a follower of the Ashcan School led by Robert Henri. After painting in Boston in both oil and pastel for a twenty-year period, Goodwin gained the recognition of famous art figures including John Singer Sargent, Mrs. Jack Gardner, and John T. Spaulding.” (2)
“In 1921, Arthur Goodwin moved to New York City. As well as maintaining a studio in Washington Square, he also resided on a farm in Chatham, New York. During these years he produced a number of rural scenes. However, the streets of both Boston and New York remained his preferred subject matter.” (1)
“He spent most of his professional life in Boston (before 1920 and from 1928-1929, and again from 1925-until his death) and New York City (1920-1927). He painted in oil and/or pastel.” (3)
“In 1920, Goodwin painted Washington Square in Manhattan from his studio there. After his marriage failed, the despondent artist returned to Boston and led the life of a Bohemian who drank excessively. Louis Kronberg often roomed with Goodwin, taking care of him and making sure he didn't drink too much alcohol. Although Goodwin never studied in Paris, he vowed one day he would go to see the French Impressionists' work firsthand.” (1)
“Tragically, after an excessive drinking binge, Goodwin was found dead in his Boston studio with tickets for Paris in his pocket. In 1974, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, honored the impressionist with a solo show and thereafter his works have been sought after and collected by the finest institutions and individual collectors throughout the world.” (3)
Reference
1. Askart Staff. Arthur Goodwin [internet]. [cited 2019 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.askart.com/artist_bio/Arthur_Clifton_Goodwin/22915/Arthur_Clifton_Goodwin.aspx
2. Fry Fine Art Staff. Arthur Clifton Goodwin [internet]. New Hampshire: Fry Fine Art [cited 2019 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.fryfineart.com/product/arthur-clifton-goodwin/
3. Pierce Galleries Staff. Arthur Clifton Goodwin [internet]. Pierce Galleries, Inc.; 2015 [cited 2019 Dec 3]. Available from: http://www.piercegalleries.com/artists/iart_goodwin.html