Thomas Buchanan Read

Thomas Buchanan Read was an American artist and poet born on March 12, 1822, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and he died on May 11, 1872, in New York City. He was associated with the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism, and he is best known for his poetry and portrait paintings. Read's most famous poem, "Sheridan's Ride," gained widespread acclaim during the American Civil War for its patriotic fervor. In addition to his literary contributions, Read painted portraits of notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which contributed to his reputation as a skilled portraitist. His dual talents in both visual and literary arts allowed him to leave a significant mark on 19th-century American culture. Read's work continues to be studied for its embodiment of Romantic ideals and its reflection of the cultural milieu of his time.