Ryder, Albert Pinkham (1847-1917), is considered one of the most original of American painters. He is best known for his brooding night scenes of the sea and dreamlike landscapes. His paintings are based on stories from the Bible, William Shakespeare, and other literary sources. Ryder conceived simple, bold designs, and he often used dark and pale tones in dramatic contrast. He laid paint on thickly, working on each painting for a long time, repainting until layers of color were built up.
Ryder was born on March 19, 1847, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and he later settled in New York City. Romantic and independent by nature, he worked in seclusion and was largely self-taught. He did not produce many paintings, but his imaginative style, which often comes close to abstract design, influenced many painters. He died on March 28, 1917.
