Thomas Birch was born in Warwickshire, England. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1794 and settled in Philadelphia. His father, William Russell Birch, was an engraver and painter of enamel miniatures.

Thomas Birch followed in his father’s footsteps, painting in a detailed manner. Together they designed, engraved, and painted topographical views of the city of Philadelphia. Soon after, Birch began painting marine subjects of which he became most noted.

Off the Coast of Maine, c. 1830-1840, exhibits two boats moving through the ocean swells in the foreground as a square-rigged vessel is seen in the distant background moving toward the horizon. Birch’s attention to the growing popularity of ships and shipbuilding proved to be influential to his chosen subject matter recording America’s exploration of the seas.