Robert Batty (artist) facts for kids
Robert Batty (born August 5, 1789 – died November 20, 1848) was an English army officer and a talented artist. He is known for his detailed drawings and paintings of landscapes and cities across Europe.
Early Life and Military Career
Robert Batty was born in 1789 in Hastings, England. His father, also named Robert Batty, was a doctor. Robert first began studying medicine at Caius College, Cambridge. He earned a medical degree in 1813.
However, Robert decided to change his path. He left his medical studies to join the army. He became an officer in the Grenadier Guards, a famous British army regiment. He served in important military campaigns, including the War of the Pyrenees and the famous Battle of Waterloo. At Waterloo, he was injured. After the battle, he wrote a series of letters describing his experiences. These letters were later published, giving people a firsthand look at the war.
In 1822, Robert Batty was recognized for his achievements and became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor given to people who have made important contributions to science.
A Talented Artist
Even though he was an army officer, Robert Batty was also a very skilled artist. He loved to draw and paint. From 1822 to 1833, he traveled a lot around Europe. He visited many different countries, sketching and painting the beautiful scenery and cities he saw.
He published several books filled with his artwork. These books were very popular and admired. Some of his famous works include:
- French Scenery (1822)
- German Scenery (1823)
- Welsh Scenery (1823)
- Scenery of the Rhine, Belgium, and Holland (1826)
- Hanoverian, Saxon, and Danish Scenery (1828)
- Select Views of the principal Cities of Europe (1832)
Robert Batty also showed his art at the Royal Academy in London between 1825 and 1832. This was a big achievement for an artist.
Later Life and Family
In 1821, Robert Batty married Johanna Maria. She was one of the daughters of Sir John Barrow, 1st Baronet, who was a famous explorer and writer, and the artist Anna Maria Truter. Robert and Johanna had five children together:
- Anna Maria Harriotte Batty (1823–1891)
- Rev. Robert Braithwaite Batty (about 1828–1861)
- Johanna Batty (1831–1894)
- Laura Batty (1832–1909)
- Edward Batty (1839–1918)
Robert Batty continued to paint almost until his death. He passed away in London in 1848, at the age of 59. He is remembered as a brave army officer and a talented artist who captured the beauty of Europe in his drawings.
