Thomas Birch

1779-1851

American (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Thomas Birch (1779-1851) was one of the first American artists to specialize in marine and landscape paintings. Born in England in 1779, he came to Philadelphia in 1794 with his father, artist William Birch. They worked together as William Birch & Son and engraved and published views of Philadelphia. Birch’s rise as a painter began during the War of 1812 for his paintings of naval engagements of the fledgling U.S. Navy. The patriotic nature of the subject made these paintings popular. Aside from battle histories, Birch was also known for his landscape-style depictions of harbors.  These landscapes are in the Dutch style, slightly romanticized yet essentially accurate portrayals. Also included in Birch’s body of work are dramatic shipwreck scenes, ship portraits, and winter scenes.