Clementine Hunter

Who was Clementine Hunter?

Clementine Hunter was a self-taught African-American folk artist from the Cane River region in Louisiana. She was born on a plantation said to be the inspiration for Uncle Tom's Cabin. She worked as a farm hand; never learning to read or write. When in her fifties, she began painting, using brushes and paints left by an artist who visited Melrose Plantation, where she lived and worked. Hunter's artwork depicted plantation life in the early 20th century, documenting a bygone era. She first sold her paintings for as little as 25 cents. By the end of her life, her work was being exhibited in museums and sold by dealers for thousands of dollars. Hunter was granted an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1986.