Henry Orne Rider (sometimes spelled Ryder) was born in Salem, Massachusetts, the son of a sea captain. He attended school in Newton and then studied art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Expanding his studies to Europe, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Julian in Paris. His paintings were exhibited at the Boston Art Club and at the Newton Club in 1895-6. He was also a teacher of art, becoming a professor at Lasell Junior College near his home in Auburndale, a part of Newton. Rider is best known for his warm and deeply personal portrayals of the rivers in his home environment.