Biddle was born in Philadelphia in 1885. His early life and struggles in becoming an artist are best described in his autobiography, An American Artist's Story, published in 1939. He was instrumental during the Depression in influencing President Roosevelt to start employing artists through the WPA and other agencies, and in the decoration of public buildings with murals and other art work. During World War II, Biddle, became chairman of the War Department's Art Advisory Committee, and oversaw the sending of American artists to record the happenings in various battle zones. The understanding was that all work produced by these artists was to be given to the government for a national war art collection. His works are represented in the New York Public Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Chicago Art Institute. His graphic work in lithography shows a painterly effect and a strong interest in decorative design. Biddle was indefatigable in the promotion of American art and American artists during the twentieth century.