Charles Philips (artist) facts for kids

Charles Philips (born around 1703, died 1747) was an English artist. He was famous for painting many portraits and "conversation pieces." These were special paintings for important people like nobles and even the Royal Family in the 1700s.

About Charles Philips

Charles Philips was born in London around 1703. He was baptized in a church called St Mildred, Poultry. His father, Richard Philips, was also a portrait painter. Charles probably learned how to paint from his dad.

In 1737, Charles Philips married Mary Francis. They moved to a street called Great Queen Street. Sadly, Charles died in London in 1747. This was only six years after his father passed away.

Philips' Art Career

Charles Philips mainly painted small portraits. He also created "conversation pieces." These paintings showed groups of people doing everyday things. It was like a snapshot of their lives.

A famous writer named George Vertue said that Philips' small paintings were very popular. Even members of the Royal Family liked his art. In 1732, he painted conversation pieces for important people like the Duchess of Portland. He also painted for the Duke of Somerset. As the 1730s went on, his conversation pieces became more detailed. They showed more people doing different activities.

From Groups to Portraits

Other artists like Philippe Mercier and William Hogarth also painted small group scenes. Philips followed their lead. Later in the 1730s, he started painting larger portraits. This was often a better way for artists to earn money.

In 1737, Philips reached the peak of his career. He painted full-length portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince of Wales was a big supporter of artists. He especially liked artists who came from other countries. These included artists like Jacopo Amigoni and Mercier, who influenced Philips' style.

Royal Club Paintings

Two of Philips' paintings are now in the Royal Collection. They show fashionable London clubs that we don't know much about otherwise. One painting from 1732 shows Frederick, Prince of Wales with members of a club called 'La Table Ronde'. This painting used to hang in Carlton House. It shows the Prince like a new King Arthur, with his "knights" sitting around a round table.

Another painting from 1813 describes a club the Prince of Wales started. It was called "The Gang" or "Harry The Fifth’s Club." Its members had funny nicknames like Fallstaff and Bardolph. These names came from Shakespeare's play about Henry V and his friends.

When Did Philips Stop Painting?

All of Philips' known paintings are from the 1730s. We don't know much about his later life or if he painted after that time. The last known portrait he painted was from 1740. It's a mystery why his painting career seemed to end suddenly.

Famous Works

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  The Watson-Wentworth and Finch Families, painted around 1732.

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  Lady Betty Germain, painted in 1731.

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  Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, painted in 1737.

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  Frederick, Prince of Wales, painted in 1737.

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  The Strong Family, painted in 1732.