National Academy of Design
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The National Academy of Design is an honorary association of American artists, founded in New York City in 1825 by Samuel Morse, Asher Durand, Thomas Cole, Martin E. Thompson, Charles Cushing Wright, Ithiel Town, and others "to promote the fine arts in America through instruction and exhibition." Membership is limited to 450 American artists and architects, who are elected by their peers on the basis of recognized excellence.
The academy's previous building at 1083 Fifth Avenue
National Academy of Design in New York City, one of many Gothic revival buildings modeled on Doge's Palace in Venice, seen c. 1863–1865; this building was demolished in 1901.
The National Academy School of Fine Arts
A few members in 1850 (L to R): Henry Kirke Brown, Henry Peters Gray and founding member Asher Brown Durand.
Samuel Morse
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Samuel Finley Breese Morse was an American inventor and painter. After having established his reputation as a portrait painter, in his middle age Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system based on European telegraphs. He was a co-developer of Morse code in 1837 and helped to develop the commercial use of telegraphy.
Morse in 1866
Birthplace of Morse, Charlestown, Massachusetts, c. 1898 photo
Self-portrait of Morse in 1812 (National Portrait Gallery)
Jonas Platt, New York politician, by Morse. Oil on canvas, 1828, Brooklyn Museum.