Born September 14, 1837
Richmond, England

Died April 21, 1911
Montclair, New Jersey

Illustrator and painter

"At home I was only a little chap who liked to amuse himself with paints. After the bishop [encouraged] me, I felt myself dedicated to the work of transcribing the beauties of the world."

Harry Fenn was one of the great illustrators of the nineteenth century. Before photography came into regular use by the end of the century, illustrators created images for books and periodicals. Fenn worked for many of the leading magazines and authors. In addition, he was the major contributor to the highly popular and critically acclaimed "Picturesque America" series that appeared in Appleton's Journal and in a book published in 1872. The series showcased the variety of natural wonders in the United States, from mountain scenes of the northeast to lush vegetation and wildlife along the rivers and swamps of Florida. The...