Walter Launt Palmer was born in 1854 in Albany, New York, the son of sculptor Erastus Dow Palmer. His first lessons, in his teens, were with portraitist Charles Elliott and Hudson River School landscapist Frederic Church.  Palmer's work was first accepted for the National Academy of Design show of 1872, when he was only 18. After a European tour in 1873, Palmer continued his art studies in Paris until 1876. One of his teachers was Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran, whose influence is seen in the tonality that is weaved through Palmer's early work. Subtlety of color, texture, and light became characteristic of all of Palmer's work. Palmer was well known for his landscapes, particularly his snow scenes, which won him critical acclaim throughout his long career. He died in Albany in 1932.