Edward Penny facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Penny
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Self-portrait, 1759. Royal Academy of Arts, London
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| Born | 1 August 1714 |
| Died | 16 November 1791 (aged 77) |
Edward Penny RA (born August 1, 1714 – died November 16, 1791) was a talented English artist. He was known for painting portraits of people and important historical events. He was also one of the artists who helped start the Royal Academy, a famous art school in London.
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Edward Penny's Early Life and Art Training
Edward Penny was born in Knutsford, Cheshire, England, in 1714. He was one of two older twin sons of Robert Penny, a surgeon. When he was young, he moved to London to study art.
He first learned from a painter named Thomas Hudson. Later, Edward traveled to Rome, Italy, to continue his studies with Marco Benefiale. He returned to England around 1748.
Becoming a Famous Artist
When Edward Penny started his career, he painted small, full-body portraits. Later, he began to paint more complex subjects. These included scenes from history or literature.
In 1762, he joined a group called the Incorporated Society of Artists. However, he and some other artists, like Benjamin West and Richard Wilson, left the group. They had some disagreements within the society.
In December 1768, Edward Penny became one of the first members of the Royal Academy of Arts. This was a very important new art institution. He was also chosen to be the Academy's first professor of painting. This meant he taught painting to other artists.
Sadly, Edward Penny's health became poor. He had to stop exhibiting his paintings. He also had to resign from his teaching role at the Royal Academy. Another artist, James Barry, took his place.
Edward Penny passed away in Chiswick on November 16, 1791. He was buried with his wife in Chessington, Surrey.
Edward Penny's Notable Paintings
Edward Penny created many interesting paintings throughout his career. He often showed his work at art exhibitions.
- In 1762, he showed a portrait of a lady and a scene from a play called Jane Shore.
- In 1763, he exhibited a scene from Aminta by Torquato Tasso. He also showed a portrait of George Edwards, who studied birds.
- In 1764, he painted The Death of General Wolfe. This painting was later made into a print by Richard Houston. He also painted a scene from Jonathan Swift's Description of a City Shower.
- In 1765, he painted The Marquess of Granby relieving a Sick Soldier. This painting was also engraved by Richard Houston. He also showed The Return from the Fair.
- In 1767, he exhibited The Husbandman's Return from Work.
- In 1768, he created The Generous Behaviour of the Chevalier Bayard, which was engraved by William Pether.
- For the first Royal Academy exhibition in 1769, he showed a blacksmith scene from William Shakespeare's play King John.
- In 1770, he exhibited Imogen discovered in the Cave.
- In 1772, he painted Lord Clive explaining to the Nabob the Situation of the Invalids in India. He also painted Rosamond and Queen Eleanor.
- In 1774, he created a pair of paintings: The Profligate punished by Neglect and Contempt and The Virtuous comforted by Sympathy and Attention. These were engraved by Valentine Green.
- In 1776, he showed Jane Shore led to do Penance at St. Paul's.
- In 1779, he exhibited The Return from the Chase.
- In 1780, he painted Apparent Dissolution and Returning Animation. These were engraved by William Sedgwick.
- In 1781, he showed Lavinia discovered gleaning.
- In 1782, he exhibited The Benevolent Physician, The Rapacious Quack, and Widow Costard's Cow and Goods, distrained for rent, are redeemed by the generosity of Johnny Pearmain.
Edward Penny's Family Life
Edward Penny married Elizabeth Fortnam sometime between 1753 and 1768. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Simmons. She owned valuable property in London. She passed away in Chiswick in 1791, the same year as Edward.
