Matthew Brady was a prominent American photographer known for his work during the American Civil War. Born in 1822, he is often credited as one of the first photographers to document the realities of war. His photographs provided a visual record of the conflict, capturing both the battlefield and the soldiers involved. Brady's studio in New York City became a hub for portrait photography, where he took pictures of many notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln. Despite his significant contributions to photography, Brady faced financial difficulties later in life and died in 1896, leaving behind a legacy that influenced future generations of photographers.