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Mathew Brady – (1822 – 1896) – Photographer / Photojournalist
Matthew Brady was was one of the most celebrated 19th century American photographers, best known for his portraits of
celebrities and the documentation of the American Civil War. Matthew Brady is credited with being the father of photojournalism.
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Brady's efforts to document the Civil War on a grand scale by bringing his photographic studio right onto the battlefields earned
Brady his place in history. Despite the obvious dangers, financial risk, and discouragement of his friends, Brady is later quoted as
saying "I had to go. A spirit in my feet said 'Go,' and I went." His first popular photographs of the conflict were at the First
Battle of Bull Run, in which he got so close to the action that he only just avoided being captured.
During the war Brady spent over $100,000 to create over 10,000 plates. He expected the U.S. government to buy the photographs when
the war ended, but when the government refused to do so he was forced to sell his New York City studio and go into bankruptcy.
Congress granted Brady $25,000 in 1875, but he remained deeply in debt. Depressed by his financial situation, loss of eyesight and
devastated by the death of his wife in 1887, he became very lonely. Mathew Brady died penniless in the charity ward of
Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
Historical / Biographical information courtesy of Wikipedia.
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