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for William Bradford
American, 1823 - 1892
From youth Bradford displayed an interest in art, but initially chose to work with his father as a merchant. He had married in 1846, and after the failure of his business in 1854, turned to painting ship portraits in order to support his family. His facility as an artist soon won him considerable recognition and he was able to give increasing time to painting marines. Although he continued to reside in Fairhaven, he traveled extensively along the New England and Canadian coasts. In 1860, after exhibiting his works in Boston and Providence, Bradford began submitting his works to the National Academy's annual exhibitions, where they regularly appeared for the remaining thirty years of his life. From 1861 to 1867 Bradford made annual trips to Labrador. His command of arctic scenery gained from these experiences won him world-wide recognition. His patrons included numerous members of the British royalty including Queen Victoria.
The attribution of this portrait is problematic. Academy minutes do not include reference to the artist of Bradford's portrait in recording its acceptance and his consequent qualification as an Associate. Beard rarely painted portraits in his later career, however, the 1911 catalogue of the Academy's permanent collection lists him as the author of Bradford's portrait.
The attribution of this portrait is problematic. Academy minutes do not include reference to the artist of Bradford's portrait in recording its acceptance and his consequent qualification as an Associate. Beard rarely painted portraits in his later career, however, the 1911 catalogue of the Academy's permanent collection lists him as the author of Bradford's portrait.
