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THOMAS BIRCH

1779 - 1851

BiographyThomas Birch was one of America's foremost marine painters, and possibly the best landscape painter of his generation. From England, he brought a new emphasis on nature and landscape; many of his pictures contrast man's insignificance to the power of natural forces. He had a profound influence on Hudson River School artist Thomas Cole. Birch was born in London in 1779, the son of William Russell Birch, an engraver and painter of enamel, and Thomas showed drawings, scenes of London environs and of the Pennsylvania countryside.

From 1799 to 1800, father and son worked together as the firm of W. Birch & Son, designing, engraving and publishing views of Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Thomas's topographical scenes are valuable documentations of the city; they are considered some of the finest cityscapes done in America in the late eighteenth century. In 1806, Thomas Birch was doing miniatures on ivory. His interest in marine subjects may have originated around this time, during trips to the mouth of the Delaware River. It was not long before he had made a reputation for himself as a marine painter. Characteristic of his word are a clear atmosphere and well-delineated waves. His ship portraits are scarce and much sought-after. He also painted many fine winter landscapes. Birch's most famous works were done during the War of 1812, depicting American naval victories. Birch designed coins for the United States Mint, and in 1816 he contributed designs for the historical pictures on the Naval Monument in Boston.

He painted many harbor and reive views, usually of Philadelphia, but also of New York City.

Birch was active in Philadelphia art circles and was an influential figure at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

(from curatorial binder)

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