Background
Lambdin, James Reid was born on May 10, 1807 in Pittsburgh. Son of James and Prudence Lambdin.
Lambdin, James Reid was born on May 10, 1807 in Pittsburgh. Son of James and Prudence Lambdin.
He later studied art in Philadelphia for two years (1823-1825) under Thomas Sully.
Operated museum and gallery, Pittsburgh, 1826-1832. Painted in Louisville, Kentucky, 1832-1837, travelled widely in South. Known for portraits and miniatures.
Lived in Philadelphia, from 1837.
Officer Artists’ Fund Society, Philadelphia, 1838-1867. Director Pennsylvania Academy Fine Arts, 1845-1864.
Appointed United States art commissioner by President Buchanan, 1858. Professor fine arts University of Pennsylvania, 1861-1866.
Portraits include: John Marshall, J. Q. Adams, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, Abraham Lincoln.
Married Mary Cochran, 6 children.