Alfred Thomas Agate: A Life in Art and Exploration Early Life and Education Born: February 14, 1812, in Sparta, United States of America. Alfred Thomas Agate demonstrated an early aptitude for art, nurtured by his family. He began his artistic journey under the tutelage of his brother, Frederick Styles Agate, a respected portrait and historical painter. He further refined his skills studying with Thomas Seir Cummings, gaining v…