Martha Isaacs facts for kids

Martha Isaacs, who later became Martha Higginson, was an English painter. She was active as an artist starting in 1771 and passed away in 1840.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Martha Isaacs was likely born around 1755. Her father, Levy Isaacs, was an embroiderer. They lived in the Drury Lane area of London during the 1760s and 1770s.

Martha became a student of the painter Thomas Burgess. She started showing her artwork in 1771 at the Free Society. Her art included miniature paintings and pastels.

Journey to India

In early 1778, Martha Isaacs traveled to Calcutta, India. She went there to find work as a miniaturist. Her arrival was even mentioned in the writings of William Hickey.

While in Calcutta, Martha painted many miniatures of British people. One of her subjects was William Hickey himself.

Marriage and Later Life

In 1779, Martha married Alexander Higginson in Calcutta. He was a member of the East India Company. After her marriage, it seems Martha stopped painting professionally.

The couple returned to England in 1782. They had three sons. These included Charles Harwood Higginson, who became a judge in Calcutta. Her other sons, Alexander and George Powell Higginson, both served in the Grenadier Guards. George Powell Higginson's son, Sir George Higginson, became a famous soldier.

A portrait of George and his mother, Martha, was painted by John Russell. Martha Higginson passed away and was buried in Great Marlow.