Robert Edge Pine facts for kids

Robert Edge Pine (born in London in 1730 – died in Philadelphia on November 18, 1788) was an English artist. He was known for painting portraits and historical scenes. Robert was the son of John Pine, who was an engraver and designer.

Pine's Art Career

Robert Edge Pine painted many important people. He painted King George II and the famous actor David Garrick. His painting of David Garrick can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery. Pine also painted the 1st Duke of Northumberland.

He created a series of paintings based on plays by William Shakespeare. Some of these paintings were later used in Boydell's famous Shakespeare collection. Pine also painted historical events, like Lord Rodney Aboard the Formidable. This painting is now in the Town Hall in Kingston, Jamaica.

Pine was part of a group of artists and smart people in London. He was close to William Hunter, who studied the human body. Pine painted portraits of William Hunter, his sister Dorothy Baillie, and her husband. He also painted Captain William Baillie.

Pine's Views and American Connections

Pine had strong political ideas that were not common at the time. He painted John Wilkes, who was a Member of Parliament. Wilkes was even in prison and sent away from England for his political views. Because of his different ideas, Pine was probably not included when the Royal Academy of Art was started in 1768.

Even so, Pine did show his art at the Royal Academy in 1772, 1780, and 1784. His political views also led him to become friends with people in England who supported the American Revolution. One of these friends was Samuel Vaughan, a merchant who was also a friend of Benjamin Franklin. Pine painted both of them.

Around 1784, Pine moved to America. He brought with him an exhibition of his Shakespeare paintings. He settled in Philadelphia and spent all his time painting portraits.

Famous Portraits in America

In America, Pine painted many important figures. His subjects included General Gates, Charles Carroll, Robert Morris, George Read, and Thomas Stone. He also painted Mrs. Reid, whose portrait is now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

One of his most famous portraits is of George Washington from 1785. He also painted Martha Washington and other members of the Washington family. The portrait of George Washington was later used for Irving's book, Life of Washington.

Pine started a historically important painting called Congress Voting Independence. This painting shows the moment the American colonies decided to become independent. Another artist, Edward Savage, finished the painting. It is now at the Historical Society in Philadelphia.

In 1786, Pine was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society. After Pine passed away, many of his paintings were gathered and shown at the Columbian Museum in Boston. It is believed that Pine gave art lessons to Prince Demah in London.

Images for kids

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  Congress Voting Independence

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  Portrait of Mary Ball Washington in 1786

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  Portrait of General William Irvine

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  Portrait of Catharine Macaulay, an English historian

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  The actor David Garrick

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  Portrait of George Washington