Thomas Gold Appleton

Thomas Gold Appleton (1812–1884) was an American painter and patron of the fine arts. Born on March 31, 1812, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Nathan Appleton, a wealthy merchant, and Maria Theresa Gold. He graduated from Harvard College in 1831, where he began to cultivate his literary talent. Although he aspired to be an artist, he eventually realized he lacked the aptitude for that vocation.

Despite this, he dedicated much of his life to writing and supporting the arts. His sister Frances married Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, making him her brother-in-law.