Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Albert Pinkham Ryder, born March 19, 1847, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in American art history. Details of his childhood are scarce, shrouded in the mists that would later become so characteristic of his paintings. However, it is known that he began to explore his artistic inclinations early on, capturing the landscapes of his native New Bedford with nascent skill. This coastal upbringing, steeped in the atmosphere of a bustling whaling port, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his imagination and would resurface thro…