James Madison ALDEN
1834–1922, USA
Biography
Discover the life and artistic journey of James Madison ALDEN (born 1834, USA, died 1922, USA), including key biographical details that provide essential context for signature authentication and artwork verification. Understanding an artist's background, artistic periods, and career timeline is crucial for distinguishing authentic signatures from forgeries.
Regarded as one of the most highly accomplished of the expedition survey artists, James Madison Alden did numerous drawings, opaque and transparent watercolors. A large body of his work exists, and it is possible to see a style evolving from tight renderings to more stylized works where he simplifies land contours into flowing lines. From 1854-1857, he served with the Pacific Coast Survey, commanded by his uncle, James Madison (1810-1877) and painted numerous watercolors from Mare Island to Santa Barbara, traveling up and down the West Coast. He recorded scenes, working from the ship, and also traveled to inland areas such as the Sierras and Yosemite. He served in the Civil War and later lived in Annapolis and Washington DC Source: Harold and Peggy Samuels, "Artists of the American West" Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
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