Thomas Buchanan Read Paintings

Thomas Buchanan Read was an American poet and portrait painter born on March 12, 1822, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was largely self-taught as an artist and gained a modest amount of recognition for his work during his lifetime. Read's artistic talents emerged early on, and by the age of seventeen, he had become a traveling portrait painter. He would often exchange his portraits for room and board as he moved from place to place.

In the 1840s, Read settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became associated with a group of artists known as the Cincinnati School. During this period, he began to establish himself more firmly as a portraitist and also delved into literary pursuits. His poetry garnered attention, and he published several volumes that were well-received by the public.

Read moved to Boston in the late 1840s, where he continued to work on his art and poetry. His style was influenced by the Romantic movement, and he was known for his idealized and sentimental depictions of subjects. In 1850, he moved to Europe, spending most of his time in Italy, where he became part of the expatriate artist community. This period was significant for Read, as he was exposed to the works of the Old Masters, which further refined his painting technique.

While Read's poetry was popular, it was his painting 'Sheridan's Ride' that became his most famous work. The painting, completed in 1871, depicts Union General Philip Sheridan's dramatic ride to rally his troops at the Battle of Cedar Creek during the American Civil War. It was based on Read's poem of the same name, which also became widely popular.

Read's health began to decline in the early 1870s, and he returned to the United States. He died on May 11, 1872, in New York City. Although better known during his lifetime, Read's work fell into relative obscurity in the years following his death. However, he is still remembered for his contributions to American art and literature, particularly for his memorable portrayals of American historical events and figures.