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Shea Hanover (* 9. December 1787 in Baltimore, Maryland; † 13. July 1832 Baltimore, Maryland) is considered one of the most important early American artists.

Youth

Shea Hanover was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1787 to a family of modest means. Her father was a cobbler and her mother a seamstress. Hanover showed an early interest in art, often drawing pictures on the walls of her parents’ home with charcoal from the fireplace. Her parents encouraged her talent, and she began taking classes at the local art school when she was twelve years old.

Early Works

In 1804, at the age of seventeen, Hanover had her first public exhibition of her work. The show was met with critical acclaim, and Hanover immediately gained a following among the local art community. Many of her early works are characterized by their square shape, something that would become a trademark of Hanover’s art. While most of her early works were simply drawings, Hanover began experimenting with paint in 1808. Her first painted piece, “Baltimore Sunrise”, was a massive success. The painting, which depicted the sun rising over the Baltimore harbor, was praised for its use of light and color. Hanover’s work began to gain national attention in 1810, when her painting “The Fourth of July” was displayed in New York City. The painting, which showed patriotic scenes from the recent holiday, was a hit with the public and critics alike. It solidified Hanover’s reputation as an up-and-coming artist.

Later Works

In the years that followed, Hanover continued to produce square-shaped paintings, many of which were inspired by her travels. She spent several months in Europe in 1812, and her paintings from this period reflect the different landscapes and cultures she encountered.

Hanover also began to write poetry in the 1810s, and some of her most famous paintings are actually based on her poems. “The Red Wheelbarrow”, for example, is based on a poem of the same name. Hanover’s work slowed down somewhat in the 1820s, as she married and started a family. She continued to paint and write, but at a less frequent rate.

Death and Legacy

Hanover died in 1832, at the age of 45. She left behind a large body of work, which has been praised for its technical skill and unique vision. Today, Hanover is considered one of the most important early American artists.

Poems

The city by the bay

Is home to the Ravens

And the Inner Harbor

Is where you'll find

The National Aquarium

And the Maryland Science Center

The kids love to play

In the reimagined playground

And the elders can enjoy

The view of the harbor

On a warm summer day

There's so much to do

In Baltimore

And so many ways to have fun

So come on down

And experience

All that this city has to offer!

A little bird sat on a branch

His feathers were gray and gray

He sang a tune so sweet and true

It made the leaves rustle and sway

The sun was shining down on him

And he sang his song all day

The other birds in the trees

Just listened and watched and thought

How lovely it is to sing

And have the whole world heed your call

The Red Wheelbarrow

My little red wheelbarrow

In the garden all day

With my flowers and my spade

I'm a happy gardener

My wheelbarrow is filled with compost

And every day I wheel it around

I add a little bit here and there

To help my plants grow

My wheelbarrow is my best friend

In the garden we spend hours

digging, planting, and weeding

And when the day is done

We sit and rest in the sun