Harriet (Hannah) Brown Skeele American, 1829-1901

Overview

Although generally surmised that Skeele was a largely self-taught painter, her still lifes show such control of the brush and strength of composition that it has been speculated that she may have received some instruction by Sarah Miriam Peale, or at the least inspired by this celebrated Saint Louis painter. Skeele was born in Portland, Maine, but it was not until her move to Saint Louis, Missouri sometime in the 1850’s that she began to exhibit her still lifes and pictures of animals. In 1871 Skeele returned to Maine, where she settled in Portland and concentrated primarily on portraiture.

Exhibitions

Saint Louis Agricultural & Mechanics Association, 1858

Western Academy of Art, Saint Louis, 1860

Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair, 1864

Saint Louis Fair, 1869, 1870 (prizes)

Museums and Public Collections

Saint Louis Art Museum

William Gerdts, Private Collection

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