Born in Brooklyn, New York on January 18, 1844, Walter Satterlee was primarily known for his genre paintings, though he also painted portraits and landscapes and did illustration.

He was a pupil of the National Academy of Design in New York and was also in Paris as a student of Leon Bonnat.

He was elected an Associate Member of the National Academy in 1879, and in 1886 he received the Clarke Prize. Satterlee was also a member of the American Water Color Society.

Among his works are 'Contemplation' owned by Smith College, "Autum", "The Cronies", and "The Fortune Teller".

He died May 28, 1906, in New York City.