Albert Pinkham Ryder

Biography

Albert Pinkham Ryder (1847–1917) was an American painter known for his mysterious seascapes, romantic landscapes and mystical allegorical scenes. Born on March 19, 1847, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he moved to New York with his family around 1870 and studied briefly at the National Academy of Design.

Ryder developed a highly personal style featuring dark colors, glowing light, simplified forms and dreamlike imagery. His subjects often came from the Bible, classical mythology, literature and opera. Notable works include The Race Track (Death on a Pale Horse), The Flying Dutchman, Jonah and Siegfried and the Rhine Maidens.

He became increasingly reclusive in his later years and frequently reworked his paintings. Ten of his works were shown in the influential 1913 Armory Show, where younger modernist artists recognized his innovative approach.

Ryder died on March 28, 1917, in New York. He is remembered as one of America's important visionary painters and an early influence on modernist art.