Born into a distinguished family in Boston in 1848, Lilla Cabot Perry embraced painting late in life, a choice that marked the beginning of a rich artistic career. Married to Thomas Sergeant Perry, a writer and professor, she began her journey in art after raising three children. Her studies took her from Boston to Paris, where she attended the Colarossi and Julian academies, and even to Munich. Her encounter with Claude Monet in Giverny was decisive: it was there that she discovered Impressionism, a movement that deeply influenced her work, especially in her landscapes.
Lilla also distinguished herself as a portraitist, capturing family intimacy with rare sensitivity. Her stays in Giverny strengthened her bond with Monet and marked her commitment to promoting Impressionism in the United States. Her talent was recognized at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, an event she considered the triumph of American Impressionism.
Her journey to Japan, from 1898 to 1901, opened a new chapter in her artistic exploration, immersing her in Japanese art and culture. Upon returning to the United States, she split her time between Boston and a farm in Hancock, New Hampshire, continuing to paint and write. Perry published four volumes of poetry, showcasing her multidimensional creativity. She passed away in 1933, but her artistic legacy, characterized by cultural openness and innovation, remains a vibrant testament to her passion for art.