George Hitchcock (1850–1913), the renowned American expatriate and "painter of sunlight," spent his influential career in the Netherlands, where he became the central figure of the Egmondse School. Born in Rhode Island and educated in law at Harvard, Hitchcock abandoned his legal career at age 29 to study art at the Académie Julian in Paris before settling in Holland. His style evolved from muted Realism to a brilliant form of Impressionism, characterized by dazzling color contrasts, especially in his famous depictions of Dutch floral fields—like tulips and hyacinths—and peasant life. Hitchcock’s genius lies in his ability to use pure, intense light and color to evoke emotion.
His distinct style—characterized by bright, contrasting hues, sun-drenched landscapes, and figures of Dutch peasant women—is perfectly suited for counted cross stitch, where every vibrant floss color brings the intensity of his light to life. Our George Hitchcock collection invites you to stitch this radiant legacy. Whether you choose a Printed Chart, Digital Download, or Complete Kit, recreating his magnificent pieces connects you with the tranquility, European heritage, and colorful energy of a timeless landscape, one joyful stitch at a time.