In nineteenth century, there appeared many great names in the art world of America such as George Catlin, George Healy, and Mary Cassatt. Among that, William Morris Hunt emerged as one of the most important American artists of the second half of the century, bringing a new influence and art to America. William Morris Hunt was born in a wealthy and honorable family from New England. His father, a graduate from Dartmouth College and a member of Congress, died of cholera during the epidemic in 1832, leaving his wife with five children to educate (McCullough 191). Coming from a family of prominence in Connecticut, Jane Leavitt had a strong passion for painting even though she did not receive any support from her father. Therefore, she determined that all her children should "have the best advantages possible" (Shannon 28). Near the town where the family lived, there was an Italian artist looking for orders and pupils. Willing to help anyone who had interest in drawing, Mrs. Hunt gave this artist a room in upper level of the house, promising to help him seek for pupils. However, no one came to this art class. .
As a result, Mrs. Hunt came to a decision that "there should be a class, and it should consist of her children and herself" (Knowlton 3). This class was a significant factor in William Hunt's life since he first learned how to basically draw and found great interest in this art. This successful class at home led Mrs. Hunt to be resolved in sending her children to the best college in the US. Hunt went to Harvard at the age of sixteen and found his studies there very easy yet uninteresting. Eventually, he left school at the junior year to pursue his passion. His mother did not show any objection but agree to bring all the family to Europe, where she believed that it would be good for both her son's education of art and his delicate health (Knowlton 5). Having been denied to paint by an overbearing father, who firmly forced her to stick with music, Mrs.
