John Callcott Horsley facts for kids
John Callcott Horsley RA was a talented British painter. He lived from 1817 to 1903. He was known for his paintings of everyday life and historical events. He also illustrated books. Did you know he designed the very first Christmas card? He was an important member of an artist group called the Cranbrook Colony.
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Early Life and Learning
John Horsley was born in London. His father, William Horsley, was a musician. His great-uncle was the famous Sir Augustus Callcott. John's sister, Mary Elizabeth, married the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1836.
When John was 13, he began studying art. He learned from artists like William Mulready. He also attended Dr. Henry Sass's academy. There, he met other future famous artists. These included D.G. Rossetti and J. Millais. Later, he studied painting at the Royal Academy schools. In 1836, he showed his painting The Pride of the Village at the Royal Academy.
Family and Home Life
John Horsley married Elvira Walter in 1846. They had three sons: Edward, Frank, and Harry. Sadly, Elvira passed away in 1852 due to a serious illness. His sons Edward and Harry died in 1854. Frank also passed away in 1857.
Horsley married again in 1854 to Rosamund Haden. Rosamund came from a family of doctors. Her brother, Francis Seymour Haden, was a surgeon and artist. John and Rosamund had several children. These included Walter, Hugh, Victor, Emma, Fanny, Gerald, and Rosamund Brunel. Some of his children became famous. Victor Horsley became a well-known surgeon. Gerald became an architect. Walter also became an artist.
After his second marriage, John and Rosamund traveled. They met wealthy business owners. This helped John get new painting jobs. In 1861, Horsley moved to a house called 'Willesley' in Cranbrook. He joined the Cranbrook Colony artists there. He also kept a home in London.
A Creative Career
John Horsley's paintings often showed historical scenes. These were usually from the 1600s and 1700s. He was inspired by Dutch masters like Pieter de Hooch. Some of his famous works include "Malvolio" and "L'Allegro and il Penseroso." He painted "L'Allegro and il Penseroso" for Prince Albert.
When he was a young artist, a collector named John Sheepshanks supported him. Sheepshanks bought two of Horsley's paintings. These were The Rival Performers and Youth and Age. Today, you can see them at the V&A.
Art for Important Buildings
In 1843, Horsley won a prize. This was for his drawing "St Augustine Preaching." It was part of a competition to decorate the Palace of Westminster. Because of this, he was chosen to paint frescoes there. Frescoes are paintings done directly on walls. He painted Religion in the House of Lords. He also painted Satan touched by Ithuriel's Spear while whispering evil dreams to Eve.
Horsley also illustrated books. He created three pictures for the 1845 illuminated Book of Common Prayer. This book was designed by Owen Jones. In 1864, he became a Royal Academician. This is a high honor for an artist. He also helped organize art exhibitions at Burlington House after 1870.
Horsley's Strong Opinions
John Horsley was a leader at the Royal Academy for many years. He was known for his strong beliefs about art. He thought that paintings should always be modest. He did not approve of showing human figures without clothes in art.
In the 1880s, some artists started painting more figures without clothes. Horsley strongly disagreed with this trend. Because of his firm stance, the magazine Punch gave him a funny nickname. They called him "Mr. J. C(lothes) Horsley." This was a play on words, like a "clothes horse." He resigned from the Academy in 1897.
The First Christmas Card
In 1843, John Horsley made history. He designed the very first Christmas card. A man named Henry Cole asked him to create it. This card showed a family celebrating. It became a popular way to send holiday greetings.
Horsley also designed the Horsley envelope. This was a special envelope that was already paid for. It was an early version of what we now call a postage stamp.
In 1856, a photographer named Robert Howlett took Horsley's picture. This photo was part of a series about famous artists. It was shown at an art exhibition in Manchester in 1857.
Horsley was also part of The Etching Club. He drew pictures for books like "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith. He also illustrated "Songs of Shakespeare."
See also
- Greeting card
