Anna Lea Merritt

Anna Lea Merritt (1844-1930) was an accomplished American-born artist who spent much of her professional life in England, where she became a respected figure in the British art world during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in Philadelphia in 1844, Merritt’s early education was shaped by private tutors, as well as later studies in Europe, where she refined her artistic skills in Paris, Florence, and Dresden. Her cosmopolitan background contributed significantly to the breadth and sophistication of her work.

Merritt initially travelled to London in 1871, intending only a short visit, but the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War altered her plans, and she decided to settle in England permanently. It was in London that she found her artistic voice, exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy and other prestigious institutions. Her art was acclaimed for its technical finesse, emotional depth, and often allegorical subject matter, qualities that resonated with Victorian audiences.

Although she painted portraits and still lifes, Merritt is perhaps best known for her allegorical and religious works, which often featured women in roles of quiet strength and dignity. Her most celebrated painting, “Love Locked Out” (1890), depicts a winged Cupid standing before a closed door, symbolising loss and unattainable love. The painting, created in memory of her husband, Henry Merritt, who died soon after their marriage, was the first work by a woman artist to be purchased for the British national collection through the Chantrey Bequest. This achievement was a significant milestone, highlighting both Merritt’s talent and the gradual acceptance of women in the professional art world.

In addition to her painting, Merritt wrote on art and exhibited a keen interest in the technical aspects of her craft, sometimes preparing her own pigments and canvases. She was also a skilled etcher and muralist, undertaking commissions for churches and private homes. Despite the challenges faced by women artists of her era, Merritt carved out a successful career and was respected by her peers for her professionalism and dedication.

Anna Lea Merritt’s legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and artistry. Her work bridges the transatlantic divide, blending American optimism with British tradition. Today, her paintings can be found in major collections, and she is remembered as a pioneer who helped pave the way for future generations of women artists.