the collector's folio

Joseph Highmore Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Joseph Highmore our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Joseph Highmore · 1692 – 1780

Pamela fainting, Joseph Highmore

1743 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 63.5 x 76.2cm

This dramatic Rococo oil painting by Joseph Highmore captures a moment of intense emotion. Discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #1: Pamela fainting

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34076 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Self-portrait by Joseph Highmore, 1740

1740 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 126.4 x 101.0cm

This dignified 18th-century oil portrait by Joseph Highmore captures a calm, introspective mood. Discover this masterpiece for your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #2: Self-portrait

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$522101 × 126 cm Commission at original size

Miss Hamilton by Joseph Highmore, 1735

1735 · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

This elegant 18th-century portrait by Joseph Highmore captures a poised young woman in a vibrant red gown. Discover this timeless masterpiece now.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #3: Miss Hamilton

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mr. Oldham and his Friends (1750) by Joseph Highmore

1750 · Tate Gallery, London · original 105 x 130 cm

Delve into Georgian society with Joseph Highmore's 'Mr. Oldham and his Friends,' a captivating portrait capturing camaraderie and relaxation amidst four gentlemen enjoying wine. Explore the Rococo influence on British art.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #4: Mr. Oldham and his Friends

Art Movement: Rococo Period
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$547130 × 105 cm Commission at original size

Joseph Highmore, Portr. of a lady (1738)

1738 · original 91.5 x 71.0cm

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #5: Portr. of a lady

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33971 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Mrs. Freeman Flower (1747) by Joseph Highmore

1747 · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

This elegant Rococo portrait by Joseph Highmore captures aristocratic grace. Discover the beauty of this timeless oil on canvas masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #6: Mrs. Freeman Flower

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Family Of E. Lancelot Lee, Joseph Highmore

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #7: The Family Of E. Lancelot Lee

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Lady – Joseph Highmore

1735 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 108 x 88 cm

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #8: Portrait of a Lady

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$42788 × 108 cm Commission at original size

Portrait Of Queen Caroline Of Ansbach, Joseph Highmore

Royal Collection, London

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #9: Portrait Of Queen Caroline Of Ansbach

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

James Wigley Of Scraptoft Hall

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Major-General James Wolfe

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Pamela and Lady Davers

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 63.5 x 76.2cm

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$39076 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Pamela preparing to go home

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 63.5 x 76.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34076 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Sir John Barnard

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs Elizabeth Birch And Her Daughter – Joseph Highmore

Fitzwilliam Museum

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #15: Mrs Elizabeth Birch And Her Daughter

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20229 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Equestrian Portrait Of King George Ii – Joseph Highmore

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #16: Equestrian Portrait Of King George Ii

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20229 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Anne – Joseph Highmore

Elegant 18th-century portrait of Anne by Joseph Highmore. Discover a refined Rococo masterpiece featuring royal attire & dramatic lighting. A stunning example of Georgian art.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #17: Anne

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Lady – Joseph Highmore

Admire Joseph Highmore’s ‘Portrait of a Lady,’ a refined 18th-century Rococo masterpiece. Explore elegant details, muted tones & symbolic richness. Discover Georgian portraiture's beauty.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #18: Portrait Of A Lady

Art Movement: Rococo

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Good Samaritan, Joseph Highmore

Explore Joseph Highmore’s dramatic ‘The Good Samaritan,’ a Baroque oil painting showcasing compassion & realism. A captivating biblical scene rich in chiaroscuro and symbolism.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #19: The Good Samaritan

Art Movement: Baroque
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20230 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Mr Matthew Bell

Explore Joseph Highmore’s ‘Mr Matthew Bell,’ a dignified 18th-century portrait showcasing Rococo realism & Baroque lighting. A captivating glimpse into Georgian society.

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Willoughby Aston And His Wife, Joseph Highmore

Elegant 18th-century portrait by Joseph Highmore depicting Sir Willoughby & his wife. Rococo style, rich detail, & classical composition showcase Georgian society. A stunning piece of art history.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #21: Sir Willoughby Aston And His Wife

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20235 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Sackville Tufton

Joseph Highmore’s ‘Sackville Tufton’ – a stunning 18th-century portrait in Baroque style. Rich detail, dramatic lighting & warm colors depict an aristocratic gentleman. Explore this elegant masterpiece!

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

An Unknown Man In Black, Joseph Highmore

Yale Center for British Art, New Haven

Exquisite portrait of an unknown man in black by Joseph Highmore. A formal Rococo/Neoclassical painting showcasing 18th-century elegance & dramatic lighting. Discover this captivating artwork.

View the most popular artwork of Joseph Highmore ranked #23: An Unknown Man In Black

Art Movement: Rococo
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Samuel Richardson

National Portrait Gallery, London

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of Thomas Fermor

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Joseph Highmore

1692 – 1780

Quick facts

Typical colorsespresso
Top 3 worksPamela fainting, Self-portrait, Miss Hamilton
Died1780
Creative periodsmature period
Corpus themesrococo elegance, georgian society portraiture", georgian society, highmore's signature style, aristocratic taste
Mediumsoil on canvas
Works on APS152
Vibeelegant

Biography

A Life Dedicated to Likeness and Narrative

Joseph Highmore, born in London in 1692, emerged as a pivotal figure within the evolving landscape of 18th-century English art. His journey began amidst familial expectations geared towards a legal career—a path he ultimately abandoned at seventeen to wholeheartedly pursue his artistic inclinations. This decisive turn led him to the studios of Sir Godfrey Kneller and anatomy lectures delivered by William Cheselden, foundational experiences that shaped his technical skill and profound understanding of the human form. Initially influenced by the grand Baroque tradition exemplified by Kneller, Highmore’s style would gradually embrace the more delicate aesthetics of the Rococo period, a shift reflective of broader cultural currents sweeping across Europe. He wasn't merely a painter; he was a keen observer of society, and his canvases became mirrors reflecting the lives, manners, and moral concerns of Georgian England.

From Royal Patrons to Middle-Class Commissions

Highmore’s early career benefited from patronage within royal circles, particularly during the 1730s and 40s. This afforded him opportunities to portray prominent figures like King George II and, famously, General James Wolfe—portraits that demonstrate not only his technical prowess but also a remarkable ability to capture character and presence. A formative journey through the Netherlands and France between 1732 and 1734 further broadened his artistic horizons, exposing him to the works of masters such as Rubens and van Dyck. However, Highmore’s adaptability proved crucial to his sustained success. As tastes evolved and a burgeoning middle class sought representation, he skillfully adjusted his focus, catering to their desire for portraits that reflected their social standing and domestic lives. This period saw the rise of his celebrated “conversation pieces”—group portraits depicting families or friends engaged in informal gatherings—a genre where Highmore excelled at conveying both individual personalities and the dynamics of social interaction. These works weren’t simply records of appearance; they were narratives frozen in time, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of his sitters. Mr Matthew Bell, for example, showcases a dignified composure typical of his Rococo realism, while portraits like Anthony Highmore reveal an elegant attire and timeless composition.

Illustrating Virtue: ‘Pamela’ and Beyond

While renowned for his portraiture, Joseph Highmore achieved widespread recognition through a unique project that bridged the worlds of art and literature. In 1744, he embarked on a series of twelve paintings inspired by Samuel Richardson's immensely popular novel, *Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded*. These illustrations weren’t merely decorative accompaniments to the text; they were carefully considered interpretations of key scenes, designed to amplify the story’s emotional impact and moral message. The engravings derived from these paintings, executed by Benoist and Louis Truchy, further disseminated Richardson's narrative to a wider audience, effectively making Highmore an instrumental figure in popularizing the novel. Beyond *Pamela*, Highmore also ventured into historical painting, exemplified by his donation of Hagar and Ishmael to the Foundling Hospital—a testament to both his artistic skill and his engagement with contemporary social issues. This work, along with others, reveals a willingness to explore complex themes and narratives beyond the realm of portraiture, reflecting a deep sensitivity to the vulnerabilities within society.

A Legacy of Realism and Refinement

In 1762, at the age of seventy, Highmore retired to Canterbury, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law, continuing to engage intellectually through art historical writings—including a critical examination of Rubens’s work. He passed away in 1780, aged eighty-seven, and was buried in accordance with a statute designed to support the wool trade. Joseph Highmore's legacy rests on his significant contribution to English portraiture during the Rococo period. His paintings are characterized by a remarkable attention to detail, a sensitivity to individual character, and an ability to capture the essence of Georgian society. He wasn’t simply a recorder of appearances; he was a storyteller who used paint to illuminate the lives, values, and aspirations of his time.

Family Connections: Susanna Highmore (née Hiller): His wife, a poet whose works remain largely unpublished.
Anthony Highmore: His son, also an artist.
Anthony Highmore Jr.: A grandson who became a writer on legal affairs and a social activist.

His work continues to resonate today as a testament to the power of art to both reflect and shape our understanding of the past.

Questions & Answers

Where can I see Joseph Highmore's artworks in chronological order?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents Joseph Highmore's works ordered by date, year by year.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Joseph Highmore?

Joseph Highmore was born in London in 1692.

Can I explore Joseph Highmore's works by color spectrum?

Joseph Highmore's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Joseph Highmore initially pursued a career in what field before dedicating himself to art?
What genre of painting did Highmore become particularly known for, depicting families in informal settings?
Highmore gained significant recognition for illustrating which popular novel?
In what city did Joseph Highmore retire to?
What artistic style significantly influenced Highmore's work, particularly during the 18th century?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Joseph Highmore

Every artwork by Joseph Highmore in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Joseph Highmore