Born to ardent abolitionists in 1848, Charles C. Burleigh, Jr. moved to Florence, Mass. with his family in 1861. Burleigh went on to study art in Boston and Philadelphia, eventually returning to Florence to begin his career as an artist. In 1878, Burleigh and his wife, Ida, embarked for Germany, where the young artist was slated to paint copies of the works of old masters. In 1882, in Cologne, Burleigh fell ill and died.
This winter, art historian Martha Hoppin presents an exhibit, The Paintability of Nature: Rediscovering Charles C. Burleigh, Jr., that takes a closer look at the life and work of Burleigh. The exhibit features an impressive cache of Burleigh’s paintings, including “Mrs. Auretta Aldrich” (pictured) as well as letters and diaries that belonged to the Burleigh family.
Through June 30, Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge St., Northampton, (413) 584-6011, www.historic-northampton.org.