Charles Robertson (artist) facts for kids

Charles Robertson (born around 1760 – died 1821) was a talented Irish artist. He was famous for painting tiny, detailed portraits called miniatures. These small artworks were very popular before cameras were invented.

The Life of Charles Robertson

Early Life and Training

Charles Robertson was born in Dublin, Ireland, around the year 1760. His family was well-known for being artists and jewellers. They lived on Ormond Quay in Dublin.

Charles likely learned his art skills from his older brother, Walter. Walter was also a miniature painter. They even shared a studio together on Essex Street in Dublin.

From a young age, Charles showed his artistic talent. When he was about nine years old, he started showing his "designs in hair" at art exhibitions. These were special artworks made using human hair. By 1775, he began exhibiting his beautiful miniature paintings.

His Career and Art Style

In 1775, Charles Robertson opened his own art studio in Dublin. He later moved to London in 1785 and stayed there for several years. While in London, he continued to paint miniatures. He also showed his work at the famous Royal Academy from 1790 to 1810.

Charles returned to Dublin to live in 1806. He kept painting and exhibiting his miniatures. He also painted "flower pieces," which are artworks showing flowers.

A special thing about Charles Robertson's work is that he never signed his paintings. However, art experts can usually tell his work apart. He often used pale grey-blue colours for the skin tones in his portraits. This unique style helps identify his art.

Important Works and Legacy

Many of Charles Robertson's artworks are now in museums. The National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) has several of his miniatures. One of them is a portrait of a woman in a white dress.

The NGI also has a portrait of Charles Robertson himself. This painting was done by another artist, Henry Brooke Kirchhoffer. It shows Charles sitting at his special desk, painting miniatures. The NGI even owns the actual desk!

Other museums around the world also have examples of his work. You can find his art in the V&A in London and The Met in New York City.

Family Life

Charles Robertson married a woman named Christina Noletar Jaffrey. They had several children together. One of their children, Clementina, also became a talented miniature painter, just like her father.

Charles Robertson passed away at his home in Dublin on November 10, 1821.