AGATE, Alfred T. 1812–1846

American oil painter, illustrator and miniaturist who exhibited at the National Academy 1831 and was made Associate of the Academy 1832. Worked in New York from 1831 until he joined the United States Exploring Expedition as official artist in 1838. The exhibition only called in at the Bay of Islands in 1840. After the voyage Agate returned to Washington to prepare sketches for publication. Was made an honorary member of the National Academy 1840. Charles Wilke's Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition During the Years 1838… 1842 (pub. 1845) contains woodcuts and engravings after Agate's sketches, including nine of New Zealand subjects.