William McGregor Paxton (1869–1941) was an American painter associated with the Boston School, known for its refined technique and emphasis on light, color harmony, and classical composition. Born in Baltimore, he studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later in Paris, where he absorbed academic traditions. Paxton became especially recognized for his luminous interior scenes and portraits, often depicting elegantly dressed women in carefully arranged domestic settings. His work reflects the influence of Dutch Golden Age painting, particularly in his meticulous handling of light, sometimes described as a “binocular vision” approach. He was also an influential teacher, shaping a generation of American artists through his instruction in Boston.