Alfred Thomas Agate (1812-1846)

Types of Work
Miniature, Portraits, Scientific Illustrations

Early Life
He was born in Sparta, New York on February 12, 1812 and died January 5, 1846 in Washington D.C. He was the brother of painter Frederick Agate, and learned to paint quite young. He later studied with Thomas S. Cummings.

Organizations, Awards and Exhibits
Exhibited at the National Academy of Design, NY at age 19.
Associate Member of National Academy of Design 1832
Honorary Member Professional 1840-1846
Member National Academy of Design 1840

Employment
¬He worked for the U.S. government from 1838 to 1842 under the Wilkes Surveying Expedition, where he traveled from Alaska to Southern California as a botanist artist. His drawings were later published in the government’s 26 volumes of reports. After returning to Washington D.C. in 1846, he worked rendering pictures for the Bureau of Engraving.

Works in other Collections
A large collection of his drawings and engravings are held at the Naval Historical Center. They had an exhibit in 2004 entitled “The Alfred Agate Collection: The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842.”

Works in Collection
0236.694, 0236.703, 0236.695, 0236.698, 0236.691