Joseph Lyman was born in Ravenna, Ohio, on July 17, 1943. He studied with John Henry Dolph (1835-1903) and Samuel Colman (1832-1920) in New York City. After his studies in New York he went abroad to complete his education. Upon returning to the United States he became associated with the second generation "Hudson River School". It seems that his most sought after paintings were of coastal areas where light and shadow played a major role in his luminist orchestrations.

His painting titled, "Magnolia, MA" was an area that was a hotbed for most of the major painters of the period. Dating from the early 19th Century with such greats as Fitz Hugh Lane, through the 1870's when William Morris Hunt frequented the area. Magnolia, which lies just at the beginning of Cape Ann, was probably an inspiration for artist such as Joseph until the turn of the century.

Mr. Lyman exhibited religiously at the very prestigious National Academy of Design. From 1874 to 1900 he exhibited paintings every year. He became an associate member in 1886.

Listed:
Who Was Who in America, p.385
Mantle and Fielding's, p.563

Memberships:
Century Associates
Nation Academy of Design, 1886

Exhibited:
St Louis Exposition, 1904 (medal)
National Academy of Design, 1874-1900

Biography courtesy of Roughton Galleries, www.antiquesandfineart.com/roughton