John Shackleton facts for kids
John Shackleton (died 16 March 1767) was a British artist. He was known for painting historical scenes and portraits of people. We don't know much about his family or where he came from.
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Who Was John Shackleton?
John Shackleton became a very important painter. From 1749, he was the official painter for King George II and later for King George III. This special job was called Principal Painter in Ordinary. It meant he was the main artist for the royal family.
His Royal Paintings
Even when another artist, Allan Ramsay, was doing official portraits of the king and queen, Shackleton was still paid to paint them. Many of his royal portraits still exist today.
- One painting of George II from 1755 is in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.
- Another painting of George II is in the British Museum in London. The museum asked him to paint it in 1759.
- More paintings of George II are part of the Royal Collection.
- You can also find his work in places like Fishmongers' Hall in London and Maidenhead Museum.
Other Famous Paintings
Shackleton painted many other people too. Some of his surviving portraits include:
- Henry Pelham, a portrait now in the National Portrait Gallery.
- William Windham (1717–1761), whose portrait is at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk.
- John Bristowe, who worked for the first Duke of Newcastle. This painting is now in the Reitlinger Museum of Fine Art in Maidenhead.
Shackleton's Life and Work
John Shackleton was involved in important art groups of his time.
Joining Art Societies
In 1755, he was part of a group that planned to create a Royal Academy in London. This would be a major art school and exhibition space. On March 8, 1758, he became a member of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. This society was just starting out and aimed to support arts and new ideas. He also showed his paintings at the Free Society of Artists from 1763 to 1766.
His Will and Possessions
When John Shackleton made his will on March 8, 1767, he left some interesting things to his friends.
- He left "two marble heads said to be done by Bernini" to his friend Mr. Robt Dossie. Bernini was a very famous Italian artist.
- He also left a painting of a lady by Anthony van Dyck and a small landscape by Gaspar Poussin to John Bristow. This John Bristow was the person in charge of "His Majesties Lions" in the Tower of London!
Family Life
John Shackleton married Mary Ann Regnier on October 25, 1742. They were married in the parish of St George's, Hanover Square in London.
