OBITUARIES

Hamilton Easter Field

1873–1922

Hamilton Easter Field, painter, writer, and patron of the arts, died in 1922, leaving a distinctive mark on early 20th-century American artistic life. Born into a prominent family, Field spent significant time in South Berwick, where he established a creative community that attracted artists, writers, and thinkers. Field studied art in New York and Paris, immersing himself in the evolving modernist movements of his time. While his own paintings reflected a range of influences, his greater contribution may have been as a facilitator and supporter of other artists. In South Berwick, Field created what became known as the “Ogunquit art colony,” centered around his estate. There, he fostered an environment of experimentation and collaboration, encouraging artists to explore new forms and ideas. His efforts helped position southern Maine as an important hub for American art in the early 1900s. Field also wrote criticism and essays, contributing to the intellectual discourse surrounding modern art. His work demonstrated a keen awareness of both European and American artistic developments, bridging the two worlds. Though his life was relatively short, Field’s impact was lasting. The artistic community he nurtured continued to thrive after his death, influencing generations of artists who found inspiration along Maine’s coast. He is remembered as both a creator and a catalyst—an individual whose vision helped shape the cultural landscape of his time.