Ryder, Albert Pinkham (1847-1917), is considered one of the most original of American painters. He is best known for his brooding night scenes of the sea and dreamlike landscapes. His paintings are based on stories from the Bible, William Shakespeare, and other literary sources. Ryder conceived simple, bold designs, and he often used dark and pale tones in dramatic contrast. He laid paint on thickly, working on each painting for a long time, repainting until layers of color were built up.