Mathew Brady

Date of Birth: May 18, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 15, 1896

Biography

Mathew Brady was an American photographer best known for his scenes of the Civil War. He was born in Warren County, New York, and became one of the most celebrated photographers of the 19th century. Brady opened his first photography studio in New York City in 1844, and quickly gained fame for his portraits of prominent figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and other notable personalities of his time. His work during the Civil War, where he documented the harsh realities of the battlefield, was groundbreaking and brought the war’s brutality to the public in a way that had never been seen before. Brady’s efforts were instrumental in the development of photojournalism, and he is often referred to as the “father of photojournalism.” Despite his significant contributions to photography, Brady faced financial difficulties later in life and died in relative obscurity.

5 Interesting Facts about Mathew Brady

1. Mathew Brady was one of the first American photographers to use daguerreotype, an early photographic process.

2. He organized a team of photographers to cover the Civil War, producing over 10,000 images.

3. Brady’s photograph of Abraham Lincoln helped Lincoln gain national recognition, leading to his election as the 16th President of the United States.

4. Brady’s eyesight deteriorated later in life, making it difficult for him to continue working as a photographer.

5. Despite his fame, Brady died in debt and was buried in an unmarked grave until later efforts provided a proper headstone.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mathew Brady

1. “The camera is the eye of history.”

2. “My greatest aim has been to advance the art of photography and to make it what I think I have, a great and truthful medium of history.”

3. “I had to go. A spirit in my feet said ‘Go,’ and I went.”

4. “No one will ever know what I went through to secure these negatives.”

5. “I feel as though I have been personally acquainted with every soldier in the war.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Mathew Brady’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000, a substantial amount for his time. However, he died in debt.