GIFFORD, ROBERT SWAIN American marine and landscape painter, was born on Naushon island (Mass.), on Dec. 23, 1840. He studied art with the Dutch marine painter Albert van Beest, who had a studio in New Bedford, and in 1864 he opened a studio for himself in Boston, subsequently settling in New York. He was a charter member of the American Water Color Society and the Society of American Artists. From 1878 until 1896 he was teacher of painting and chief master of the Woman's Art School of Cooper Union, New York, and from 1896 until his death he was director. Gifford painted longshore views, sand dunes, and landscapes generally, with charm and poetry. He was an etcher of considerable reputation. He died in New York on Jan. 13, 1905.