Charles Sprague Pearce was born in Boston, 1864, to Mary Anna Sprague Pearce and Shadrach Houghton Pearce, successful Chinese importers. He was descended from one of Massachusetts's founding and historical figures. His grandfather was Charles Sprague, an early American poet.

His grandfather and his friend Frederic Bridgman traveled to Europe in 1873, spent three years in Egypt, and Algiers. When Bridgman returned, he and Charles left for Paris.

Pearce mainly resided in France. He exhibited frequently at the Paris salon, as well as, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. He received many medals and other honors including a third class medal at the salon of 1883, the Belgian grand medal of honor in 1886, and the Temple gold medal of the Philadelphia Academy in 1885.

Although Pearce painted many Biblical themes, he had a predominating interest in Orientalism. He adopted a style and subject matter that was typically French but with a touch of Orientalism.

Pearce was very interested in promoting the work of other American artists, especially those with strong links to France. He was named a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 1894 and his last Salon exhibition was in 1906.

Charles Sprague Pearce continued to paint until his death in Auvers-sur-Oise, 1914.