Richard Morris Hunt

Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895), American architect, born in Brattleboro, Vermont. He studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and became the leading exponent in the U.S. of the Beaux-Arts tradition, which emphasized dignity, symmetry, and the use of authentic detail in historical styles. His work was much in demand at the end of the 19th century and includes numerous public buildings and private palaces. Surviving works by Hunt include the Great Hall (1895-1902) of New York City's Metropolitan Museum, an imposing Roman basilica; The Breakers (1888-1895) in Newport, Rhode Island, an opulent Italian Renaissance palazzo; and Biltmore (1890) in Asheville, North Carolina, a stately French Renaissance château.