George Harvey (painter) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Harvey
FRSE RSA
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Sir George Harvey by Amelia Robertson Hill
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| Born |
George Frederick Harvey
1 February 1806 St Ninians, Scotland
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| Died | 22 January 1876 (aged 69) Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Resting place | Warriston Cemetery |
| Education | Trustees' Academy Edinburgh College of Art |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Spouse(s) |
Eliza Margaret Carstairs
(m. 1837; died 1844)Margaret Muir
(m. 1847; died 1854) |
Sir George Frederick Harvey (1806 – 1876) was a very important Scottish painter. He is best known for his paintings that show historical events, especially those related to religious history in Scotland. He also painted many scenes of everyday life and beautiful landscapes.
Becoming an Artist
George Harvey was born on February 1, 1806, in St Ninians, a small village near Stirling, Scotland. His father, also named George, was a watchmaker.
When George was young, his family moved to Stirling. There, he started working for a bookseller. However, he loved art very much. When he was 18, he decided to follow his passion.
In 1824, he moved to Edinburgh to study art. He joined the Trustees' Academy, a famous art school at the time. He was a very talented student.
In 1826, a group of Scottish artists decided to create a new art organization. They invited George Harvey to join them. This group later became the Royal Scottish Academy.
Painting Career
George Harvey showed his first painting, "A Village School," in 1826. After the Royal Scottish Academy opened in 1827, he showed new paintings there every year.
He became famous for his paintings about Scottish history and religious events. Some of his most well-known works include "Covenanters' Preaching" and "Covenanters' Communion." These paintings often showed a strong sense of faith and history.
Harvey also painted many scenes of daily life in Scotland. These paintings were very popular. Examples include "The Bowlers," "A Highland Funeral," and "The Curlers." These works showed his great skill in observing people and their lives. He also painted landscapes and portraits of people.
In 1829, he became a full member of the Royal Scottish Academy. Later, in 1864, he became the president of the Academy. He held this important position until 1876. For his contributions to art, he was knighted in 1867, becoming "Sir George Harvey."
Written Works
Sir George Harvey also wrote about art and history. He wrote a paper about the "Colour of the Atmosphere." In 1870, he published a small book called Notes of the Early History of the Royal Scottish Academy. This book shared his knowledge about the Academy's beginnings.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sir George Harvey was married twice. His first wife was Eliza Margaret Carstairs. They had two daughters, Ellen and Elizabeth. After Eliza passed away, he married Margaret Muir.
Sir George Harvey died in Edinburgh on January 22, 1876, at the age of 69. He is buried in Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh. His artwork continues to be admired today for its historical importance and artistic skill.
Gallery
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The Curlers (1835)
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The Covenanters' Communion, National Galleries of Scotland
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Woman Clasping the Bible, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
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Leaving the Manse (engraving J. M. Corner) based on Harvey's oil painting, Quitting The Manse
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'The Dominie Functions' (1826) in an exhibit at Abbot House.
