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Stephen Pearce Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Stephen Pearce 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 Stephen Pearce · 1819 – 1904

Alexander Stewart by Stephen Pearce, 1854

1854 · original 38 x 32 cm

This 1854 oil portrait by Stephen Pearce captures a man in formal attire with dramatic lighting. Own this elegant masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #1: Alexander Stewart

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Stephen Pearce, Robert Brown (1773–1858), DCL, LLD, FRS, PLS (1856)

1856 · Collection of The Herbarium, Richmond · original 38 x 31 cm

Experience this realistic 19th-century portrait of Robert Brown by Stephen Pearce, capturing authority with dark tones; discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #2: Robert Brown (1773–1858), DCL, LLD, FRS, PLS

Art Movement: Academic Realism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18231 × 38 cm Commission at original size

"Antler" with Grey Petty (1840)

1840 · Royal Collection, London · original 53.8 x 75.0cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #3: "Antler" with Grey Petty

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26775 × 54 cm Commission at original size

John Rae by Stephen Pearce, 1853

1853 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 38 x 34 cm

Admire Stephen Pearce’s 1853 portrait of John Rae – a neoclassical masterpiece! Rich detail, dramatic lighting & evocative style capture Arctic explorer's likeness.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #4: John Rae

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18634 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Sir Robert McClure, Stephen Pearce

1855 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 127 x 102 cm

Admire Stephen Pearce’s 1855 portrait of Sir Robert McClure! A neoclassical masterpiece depicting an Arctic explorer in dramatic light & detail. Explore this significant artwork.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #5: Sir Robert McClure

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$527102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

William Kennedy (1853) by Stephen Pearce

1853 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 32 cm

1853 Portrait of William Kennedy by Stephen Pearce. Dramatic impasto, dark tones & Romantic style. Explore this textured oil painting's mystery & status symbolism.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #6: William Kennedy

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Stephen Pearce, Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield (1853)

1853 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 34 cm

Stephens’ 1853 portrait of Sir Edward Inglefield showcases realistic military detail in oil painting. A dramatic, academic work reflecting Victorian era status & authority.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #7: Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18734 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Stephen Pearce: Sir William Edward Parry

1850 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 38 x 32 cm

1850 portrait of Sir William Edward Parry by Stephen Pearce. Admire this realistic oil painting featuring dramatic lighting & classical details. A fine example of 19th-century art.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #8: Sir William Edward Parry

Art Movement: Academic Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 38 cm Commission at original size

John Barrow by Stephen Pearce, 1850

1850 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 38 x 32 cm

1850 portrait by Stephen Pearce of John Barrow. Admire this academic oil painting’s rich detail & Victorian style. Explore a formal likeness in warm browns – perfect for art collectors.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #9: John Barrow

Art Movement: Academic Portraiture
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Emily Louise Shepherd (1814–1904), Countess Belmore by Stephen Pearce, 1857

1857 · original 140 x 109 cm

1857 portrait of Countess Belmore by Stephen Pearce. A stunning classical realism painting featuring dramatic lighting & rich detail. Explore this Victorian masterpiece!

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #10: Emily Louise Shepherd (1814–1904), Countess Belmore

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$594109 × 140 cm Commission at original size

Robert McCormick by Stephen Pearce, 1856

1856 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 33 cm

Explore Stephen Pearce’s 1856 portrait of Robert McCormick – a realistic oil painting showcasing military attire & dramatic lighting. Academic realism meets historical detail.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #11: Robert McCormick

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18633 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Stephen Pearce: Stephen Pearce

1860 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 61 x 51 cm

Exquisite Victorian portrait by Stephen Pearce (1860). Admire this detailed oil painting of a gentleman – a captivating piece of art history & elegant style.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #12: Stephen Pearce

Art Movement: Academic Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24051 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Sir Horatio Thomas Austin, 1860, Stephen Pearce

1860 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 32 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #13: Sir Horatio Thomas Austin

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Rochfort Maguire

1860 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 32 cm

Explore Stephen Pearce’s ‘Rochfort Maguire’ (1860) – a striking 19th-century oil portrait of a military officer. Linear style, dramatic lighting & symbolic details await.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #14: Rochfort Maguire

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Sir (Francis) Leopold McClintock by Stephen Pearce, 1859

1859 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 127.0 x 101.9cm

This realistic 1859 oil portrait captures a rugged Arctic explorer in heavy gear. Discover the spirit of adventure and own this masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #15: Sir (Francis) Leopold McClintock

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$527102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

HRH Henry Frederick (1745–1790), 1st Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn (1884) by Stephen Pearce

1884 · The Library And Museum of Freemasonry, London · original 249 x 148 cm

Admire Stephen Pearce’s neoclassical portrait of HRH Henry Frederick, 1st Duke of Cumberland. Rich details, dramatic lighting & aristocratic style – a captivating historical piece.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #16: HRH Henry Frederick (1745–1790), 1st Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1217148 × 249 cm Commission at original size

John Barrow (1764–1848) (1846) by Stephen Pearce

1846 · The Royal Society, London · original 128 x 103 cm

Admire Stephen Pearce’s 1846 portrait of John Barrow – a formal oil painting showcasing meticulous detail & rich browns. Explore Victorian artistry & symbolism in this captivating piece.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #17: John Barrow (1764–1848)

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$534103 × 128 cm Commission at original size

William Philip (1835–1897), 4th Earl of Sefton at Ashdown Park by Stephen Pearce, 1864

1864 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 43 x 53 cm

Explore Stephen Pearce's captivating portrait of William Philip, Earl of Sefton at Ashdown Park – a meticulously crafted Victorian masterpiece showcasing equestrian elegance and artistic precision.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #18: William Philip (1835–1897), 4th Earl of Sefton at Ashdown Park

Art Movement: Victorian Portraiture
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21553 × 43 cm Commission at original size

Francis (1754–1826), 2nd Earl of Moira, afterwards 1st Marquess of Hastings, KG (copy after Martin Archer Shee) (1884) by Stephen Pearce

1884 · The Library And Museum of Freemasonry, London · original 259 x 153 cm

This Romantic portrait by Stephen Pearce captures the regal dignity of Francis Hastings. Discover the power of this masterful oil painting today.

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #19: Francis (1754–1826), 2nd Earl of Moira, afterwards 1st Marquess of Hastings, KG (copy after Martin Archer Shee)

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Sherard Osborn (1847) by Stephen Pearce

1847 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 39 x 33 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #20: Sherard Osborn

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18633 × 39 cm Commission at original size

George Payne Rainsford James (1846)

1846 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 21 x 18 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #21: George Payne Rainsford James

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Stephen Pearce, Sir Francis Beaufort (1850)

1850 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 51 x 41 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #22: Sir Francis Beaufort

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20941 × 51 cm Commission at original size

Sir James Clark Ross – Stephen Pearce

1850 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 38 x 32 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #23: Sir James Clark Ross

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 38 cm Commission at original size

John Rae (1813–1893), Arctic Explorer (1853) by Stephen Pearce

1853 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh · original 40 x 34 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #24: John Rae (1813–1893), Arctic Explorer

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18834 × 40 cm Commission at original size

Frederick William Beechey (1850)

1850 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 38 x 32 cm

View the most popular artwork of Stephen Pearce ranked #25: Frederick William Beechey

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18432 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Stephen Pearce

1819 – 1904

Quick facts

Mediumsoil on canvas
Topics exploredvictorian era, portraiture, formal attire, portrait, 19th century
Lifespan85 years
Copyright statusPublic domain
Vibeelegant
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Room fitliving room
Top 3 worksAlexander Stewart, Robert Brown (1773–1858), DCL, LLD, FRS, PLS, "Antler" with Grey Petty

Biography

Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Stephen Pearce, born in the heart of London on November 16, 1819, at King's Mews, Charing Cross, entered a world subtly interwoven with England’s regal fabric. As the sole child of Stephen Pearce, a clerk within the Department of the Master of Horse, and Ann Whittington, his upbringing was steeped in service to the Crown—a connection that would profoundly resonate throughout his artistic journey. This proximity instilled not merely decorum but access to subjects that defined much of his early career: the magnificent horses of the Royal Mews. Formal training commenced at Sass’s Academy in Charlotte Street, a respected institution for aspiring artists, followed by rigorous study at the prestigious Royal Academy Schools beginning in 1840. A pivotal moment arrived in 1841 when he became a pupil of Sir Martin Archer Shee, a prominent portraitist whose influence shaped Pearce's approach to capturing likeness and character. These formative years laid the groundwork for a career balancing meticulous technique with an evolving artistic sensibility.

A Versatile Career: Portraiture, Equine Art, and Literary Circles

Pearce’s professional life unfolded across decades, marked by remarkable versatility. From 1842 to 1846, he served as an amanuensis—a secretary—to the celebrated novelist Charles Lever. This period offered unique immersion into literary circles, broadening his understanding of narrative and character development – skills that subtly informed the psychological depth of his portraiture. His initial artistic successes centered on paintings of favored horses within the Royal Mews, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1839 and again in 1841, establishing him as a skilled animalier. A sojourn to Italy around 1849 proved transformative, refining his aesthetic sensibilities before he resumed regular contributions to Burlington House exhibitions upon his return to England. His style underwent noticeable evolution; early works displayed meticulous precision with pronounced shadowing, while later paintings embraced greater freedom and fluidity in technique. He wasn’t confined by genre, moving seamlessly between capturing the nobility of a prized stallion and the nuanced personality of a prominent Victorian gentleman.

The Arctic Chronicles: A Defining Commission

It was through a unique confluence of artistic talent and historical circumstance that Pearce truly distinguished himself: his involvement in documenting the era’s fervent interest in Arctic exploration. Perhaps most notable is “The Arctic Council discussing a plan of search for Sir John Franklin” (1851), commissioned by Colonel John Barrow. This large-scale painting, depicting leading figures strategizing the rescue mission for the ill-fated explorer Sir John Franklin, captured the public’s imagination and served as a poignant reminder of the perils and heroism inherent in polar expeditions. The work is not merely a historical record but a carefully constructed drama, each figure rendered with individual character and contributing to the overall sense of anxious deliberation. Beyond this monumental work, Pearce became renowned for his equestrian portraits, particularly those of masters of foxhounds, harriers, and prominent horse owners like the Earl of Craven and members of families such as the Dukes of Bedford. “Coursing at Ashdown Park” (1869), a sprawling landscape featuring approximately sixty equestrian figures, stands as a testament to his skill in depicting both human subjects and their noble steeds within a dynamic setting. He also created numerous half-length portraits of Arctic explorers—Sir Robert McClure, Sir Leopold McClintock, Captain Penny—commissioned by Barrow and Lady Franklin, many residing today in the National Portrait Gallery.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Pearce’s artistic vision was shaped by 19th-century British art's prevailing currents. His training under Sir Martin Archer Shee firmly placed him within the tradition of formal, academic portraiture that dominated the era. The enduring popularity of equestrian subjects reflected a broader cultural fascination with horses and horsemanship, particularly among the aristocracy and landed gentry. Simultaneously, his Arctic paintings demonstrated engagement with contemporary events—the scientific exploration of the polar regions—and tapped into the public’s intense interest in these daring expeditions. His ability to capture accurate likenesses, combined with sensitivity and precision in portraying human figures and animals, earned him respect within artistic circles. The National Portrait Gallery holds an impressive collection of forty-four portraits by Pearce, including two self-portraits, underscoring his substantial contribution to British portraiture.

Final Years and Enduring Recognition

Stephen Pearce retired from active practice in 1888, having dedicated decades to his craft. He married Matilda Jane Cheswright in 1858, with whom he had five sons. In 1903, he published “Memories of the Past”, a collection of reproductions accompanied by biographical notes and technical insights—a testament to his reflective nature and desire to share his artistic process. He passed away on January 31, 1904, at Sussex Gardens, West London. His legacy endures through the substantial body of work he left behind, preserved in public collections like the National Portrait Gallery, offering a captivating glimpse into Victorian society and British art during his lifetime. The meticulous detail, historical significance, and evocative power of his paintings continue to resonate with audiences today, solidifying Stephen Pearce’s place as a noteworthy figure in 19th-century artistic history. His work provides invaluable insights into Victorian society, documenting the lives of prominent individuals and capturing the spirit of exploration that characterized the age—a chronicler of his time, translating social status, scientific endeavor, and personal narratives onto canvas.

Questions & Answers

Can I browse Stephen Pearce's works by mood?

Stephen Pearce's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

How many artworks by Stephen Pearce are available to browse?

You can browse 57 artworks by Stephen Pearce on the All Artworks page.

In which historical period did Stephen Pearce work?

Stephen Pearce worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Collector's quiz

Stephen Pearce was born in what city?
Pearce initially gained recognition for paintings of what subject matter within the Royal Mews?
What significant event inspired Pearce to create 'The Arctic Council discussing a plan of search for Sir John Franklin'?
Besides portraiture and equine art, what other subject matter became notably associated with Pearce's work?
Approximately how many portraits by Stephen Pearce are held in the National Portrait Gallery, London?

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 Stephen Pearce

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

All artworks by Stephen Pearce