Asher B. Durand was born in Jefferson Village, New Jersey. His frail health exempted him from working on the family farm. As a result, he helped his father, a silversmith, by engraving his father’s silver creations (e.g. like putting a name on a trophy). Asher became one of the country’s finest engravers.
His interest gradually shifted from engraving to oil painting. Durand ended his work with engraving in 1835.
