Chester Harding (September 1, 1792 – April 1, 1866)[1] was an American portrait painter known for his paintings of prominent figures in the United States and England.

His family removed to Caledonia, New York, when he was fourteen years old, and he was early thrown upon his own resources for support.

He worked at this latter occupation a year, when acquaintance with a traveling portrait painter led him to attempt that art.

He met with great success, painting royalty and the nobility, and, despite the lack of an early education and social experience, he became a favorite in all circles.

Together, they were the parents of nine children, including four sons, two each who fought on opposing sides in the Civil War: His wife died on August 27, 1845, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

[12] Through his son Horace, he was the paternal grandfather of William P. G. Harding (1864–1930), the Chairman of the Federal Reserve and President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston,[13] and Chester Harding (1866–1936), the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone from 1917 to 1921 who, late in life, also became a noted portrait painter.