Louis Eilshemius was born to wealthy and socially prominent immigrant parents near Newark, New Jersey.

His earliest paintings, reflecting the influence of Corot and Inness, placed him well within the context of contemporary American art. He had his work accepted by the National Academy of Design in 1887 and 1888. He seemed destined for glittering success. This official recognition, apparently so promising, had to sustain him for the remainder of his active career. His subsequent entries were rejected, and he continued to work for three decades without further encouragement. The involuntary isolation ultimately destroyed him.

What queered his career was a strain of fantasy; he introdu...