James Madison Alden
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James Madison Alden (1834–1922) was an American landscape[1] painter and drawer. He is famous for Topographic landscape, survey sketches-history. He is recognized as one of the most skilled expedition survey artists, known for his numerous drawings and both opaque and transparent watercolors.[1] A significant collection of his work showcases an evolution in his style, transitioning from detailed renderings to more stylized pieces that simplify land contours into flowing lines. From 1854 to 1857, Alden worked with the Pacific Coast Survey, which was led by his uncle, James Madison (1810–1877). During this time, he created many watercolors depicting scenes from Mare Island to Santa Barbara, traveling extensively along the West Coast. He captured various landscapes while working from a ship and also ventured into inland regions like the Sierras and Yosemite. Alden served in the Civil War and later resided in Annapolis and Washington, D.C.[2]
Early life
[edit]James Madison Alden was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts.[2]
U.S.-Canada border
[edit]He is considered one of the most skilled surveying artists in the United States and participated in the "Northwestern Boundary Survey," which contributed to the establishment of the Canada–United States border in the Northwest from 1857 to 1861.[3]
Death
[edit]He died in Orlando, Florida in 1922.[2]
In books
[edit]Franz Stenzel authored a book about him titled James Madison Alden : Yankee artist of the Pacific coast, 1854–1860.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Alden, James Madison, 1834-1922 | Archives at Yale". archives.yale.edu. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ^ a b c "James Alden - Biography". www.askart.com. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ^ "James Madison Alden". artvee.com. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
- ^ "Alden, James Madison Alden : Yankee artist of the Pacific coast, 1854–1860". archive.org. Retrieved 2025-01-26.
