Sir William Beechey

مكان: Burford

مولود: 1753

الموت: 1839

سيرة ذاتية:

Early Life and Training

, a renowned English portraitist, was born on December 12, 1753, in Burford, Oxfordshire. His parents, William Beechey and Hannah Read, passed away when he was young, and he was raised by his uncle Samuel. Beechey's interest in painting began at an early age, leading to his admission to the Royal Academy Schools in 1772.

Artistic Career

Beechey specialized in small-scale full-length portraits during the early part of his career. Between 1782 and 1787, he lived in Norwich, where he painted four works for the collection of civic portraits at St Andrew's Hall. Upon returning to London in 1787, Beechey caught the attention of the royal family, leading to his appointment as Queen Charlotte's official portrait painter in 1793.

• Portrait of the Duchess of York (Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico), a notable work showcasing Beechey's mastery of intimate settings and soft brushstrokes.
• George III and the Prince of Wales reviewing troops, a large composition that earned him a knighthood and full membership in the Royal Academy (destroyed in the 1992 Windsor Castle fire).
• Other notable sitters include Lord Nelson, John Kemble, and Sarah Siddons.

Museum Collections and Artworks

Beechey's works can be found in various museums, including:

• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (Canterbury, United Kingdom), featuring a diverse collection of artworks.
• The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum (Bedford, United Kingdom), showcasing a range of artistic styles and techniques.

Legacy

Despite Samuel Redgrave's criticism of Beechey's work in 1890, stating that his portraits lacked grace and had poor drapery, Beechey maintained a respectable second rank among portraitists. His contributions to the world of art are undeniable, with his paintings continuing to be celebrated for their mastery of light, shadow, and detail.

• View more artworks by Sir William Beechey on Wikioo.org: [https://Wikioo.org/@/Sir-William-Beechey](https://Wikioo.org/@/Sir-William-Beechey)
• Explore the collection of The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge on Wikioo.org: [https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3CD9X](https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3CD9X)
• Discover more about Sir William Beechey's life and work on Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Beechey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Beechey)

provides an in-depth look at the life and works of Sir William Beechey, a prominent figure in English portraiture. Delve into the world of art with Wikioo.org's extensive collection of artworks, artists, and museums.