Francis Swaine facts for kids
Francis Swaine (1725–1782) was a talented British artist. He was famous for painting pictures of ships and the sea. These types of paintings are called marine art.
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Francis Swaine's Early Life
Francis Swaine was born in London in 1725. He was christened on October 7th of that year. His parents were Francis Swaine and Ann Joel.
His father, also named Francis Swaine, worked for the Navy. He had served in the Navy for over 28 years. He also enjoyed drawing. The elder Swaine became a Navy Messenger. He worked in this role for 20 years. He passed away in 1755.
Swaine's Artistic Career
Francis Swaine became a marine painter. He was strongly influenced by another artist named Peter Monamy (1681–1749). In fact, Swaine was Monamy's student.
People at the time knew this connection. One important document calls Swaine "Old Swaine, pupil of Monami." Another book from 1806 also says Swaine was Monamy's student. It notes that Swaine was excellent at painting scenes in moonlight.
Famous Moonlight Paintings
One of Swaine's most famous paintings is "The Capture of the Foudroyant." This painting shows a battle at sea. It is sometimes called "The Moonlight Battle." The French ship Foudroyant was captured. It later joined the English Fleet as HMS Foudroyant.
Swaine was a popular artist during his lifetime. He often showed his paintings. He displayed his work at the Society of Artists of Great Britain. He also showed art at the Free Society of Artists.
Swaine's Family Life
Francis Swaine married Mary Monamy in 1749. Mary was the daughter of his teacher, Peter Monamy. Swaine was 24 years old when they married.
They had two children. Their daughter, Anna Maria Swaine, was christened in 1751. Their son, Monamy Swaine, was christened in 1753. Monamy Swaine also grew up to become a marine painter, just like his father.
Francis Swaine passed away in 1782. Today, you can see many of his artworks. Several of his paintings are kept at the National Maritime Museum in London.
