Richard Westall facts for kids
Richard Westall (born January 2, 1765 – died December 4, 1836) was a famous English painter and illustrator. He was known for painting people's faces (portraits), historical scenes, and events from books. He is especially famous for his paintings of Byron, a well-known poet. Richard Westall also taught Queen Victoria how to draw when she was young.
Richard Westall's Life Story
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Richard Westall was born on January 2, 1765, in a place called Reepham near Norwich, England. He had a younger half-brother named William Westall, who also became a painter. William was known for painting landscapes from his travels.
When Richard was young, his mother passed away and his father faced financial difficulties. Because of this, Richard moved to London in 1772.
In 1779, Richard became an apprentice to someone who engraved silver for coats of arms. During this time, another artist named John Alefounder encouraged him to become a painter. Richard then began studying at the Royal Academy School of Arts in London in 1785.
He showed his artwork at the Royal Academy often, from 1784 until 1836. He became an Associate of the Academy in 1792 and a full Academician in 1794. From 1790 to 1795, he shared a house in London with Thomas Lawrence. Thomas Lawrence later became the president of the Royal Academy.
What Richard Westall Painted
Richard Westall's paintings, many of which were done in watercolour, were very popular in the late 1700s. People thought he was an amazing artist. He painted in a style called neoclassical, which means his art often looked back to ancient Greek and Roman styles.
He created paintings for famous art galleries, like John Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery and Henry Fuseli's Milton Gallery. One of his paintings, showing John Milton and his daughters, can be seen at Sir John Soane's Museum in London. He also painted several scenes about the life of Horatio Nelson, a famous naval hero. These paintings are now at the National Maritime Museum.
Richard Westall was also a very busy illustrator for books. He drew pictures for many stories and poems, including works by Sir Walter Scott, Oliver Goldsmith, and William Cowper. The famous poet Byron admired Westall's work a lot. Westall also illustrated different versions of the Bible. His oil painting called Christ Crowned with Thorns is an altarpiece in a church in London.
Westall also painted many portraits, which are pictures of people. His style was similar to that of his friend Thomas Lawrence. He painted Princess Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria. Richard Westall was Queen Victoria's art teacher for eight years before he passed away. He also painted Richard Ayton, a writer.
Richard Westall is probably most famous for his paintings of Lord Byron. You can see some of these portraits in the National Portrait Gallery in London and other important places.
- Richard Westall's works
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Wolsey disgraced, 1795
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Shylock rebuffing Antonio, 1795
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Lady Hamilton as St Cecilia, late 18th–early 19th century
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Vertumnus and Pomona, early 19th century
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Sir Horatio Nelson when wounded at Teneriffe, 1806
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The Sword of Damocles, 1812
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See also
In Spanish: Richard Westall para niños
