Christopher Barber (painter) facts for kids
Christopher Barber (1736–1810) was an English miniature painter. He was known for creating small, detailed portraits.
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Christopher Barber: A Life in Art
Christopher Barber was an artist from England. He was born in 1736 and lived until 1810. He became well-known for his beautiful miniature paintings. These were very small, detailed pictures, often portraits of people.
His Artistic Style
Barber used different materials for his art. He worked with both crayons and oil paints. His paintings, especially his portraits, were famous for being very bright. He achieved this special glow by using a unique mixture called 'magilp'. He paid close attention to preparing this mix, which made his colors shine.
Showing His Work
Christopher Barber began showing his art in 1770. He exhibited his paintings at the Royal Academy. This was a very important place for artists to display their work. He continued to show his portraits there until 1792. He mostly painted pictures of people, often showing just their head and shoulders.
His Social Life
Beyond painting, Barber loved music very much. He especially enjoyed the works of famous composers like Handel and Purcell. He was also a very social person. His friendly nature helped him make many friends. He had a large and warm group of acquaintances around him.
Artist Societies
For some time, Barber was a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists. This was a group for artists. However, he also showed his paintings with another group. This other group later became the Royal Academy in 1768. Because he exhibited with the Royal Academy, he had to leave the Incorporated Society of Artists in 1765.
Where He Lived
Christopher Barber lived in London for many years. He first lived on St Martin's Lane. Later in his life, he moved to Great Marylebone Street. He passed away there in 1810.
Sources
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Dawkins, Clinton Edward (1885). "Barber, Christopher". Dictionary of National Biography 3. Ed. Leslie Stephen. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
