Michael Frederick Halliday facts for kids
Michael Frederick Halliday (1822–1869) was an English artist. He was known for his detailed paintings and his connection to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who wanted to bring back the bright colors and detailed style of early Italian Renaissance art.
Michael Halliday's Life and Art
Michael Halliday was born in 1822. His father was a captain in the navy. From 1839 until he died, Michael worked as a clerk in the House of Lords. This is part of the British Parliament, where laws are made.
Even with his job, Michael developed a strong interest in painting. He worked hard at it and became quite good. He started showing his paintings at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This is a famous place where artists exhibit their work.
His Notable Paintings
In 1853, he showed a painting called Moel Shabod from the Capel Curig Road. One of his most famous works was The Measure for the Wedding Ring, which he exhibited in 1856. This painting was very popular and was even made into an engraving. An engraving is a print made from a picture carved into a metal plate.
He also painted two scenes from the Crimean War in 1856. This was a war fought in the 1850s. Other paintings he showed included The Sale of a Heart (1857) and The Blind Basket-maker with his First Child (1858). Later, he exhibited A Bird in the Hand (1864) and Roma vivente e Roma morta (1866).
Michael also created an etching for a book of poems by Thomas Hood. This etching was for The Plea of the Midsummer Fairies and was part of a collection published in 1858.
Beyond the Canvas
Michael Halliday was one of the first artists to join the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. This group believed art should be very realistic and colorful. They wanted to move away from the styles that were popular at the time.
Besides art, Michael was also very active in other areas. He was an enthusiastic volunteer. He was also a skilled rifle-shot. In 1862, he was one of the first eight English competitors for the Elcho Shield. This is a famous shooting competition.
Michael Halliday passed away on June 1, 1869, after a short illness. He was buried at Brompton Cemetery in London.
