Ernest Lawson (1873-1939), a progressive artist and member of a group of artists called The Eight, achieved early recognition with his impressionist landscape paintings but later in life experienced personal tragedy and artistic isolation. Born in Nova Scotia in 1873, Lawson studied at the Art Students League, New York, from 1891-1892 and took summer classes in Cos Cob, Connecticut, under J. Alden Weir and John Twachtman. Lawson’s early work has delicate tones and harmonious textures reminiscent of Twachtman’s style. While living in France from 1893-1896, Lawson briefly attended the Académie Julian.