the collector's folio

William Salter Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by William Salter 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 William Salter · 1804 – 1875

Sir Henry Murray by William Salter, 1837

1837 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 53.5 x 43.0cm

This 1837 portrait by William Salter captures a dignified military officer in vibrant red. Discover this classical masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #1: Sir Henry Murray

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 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

The Waterloo Banquet by William Salter, 1836

1836 · original 35 x 59 cm

Eighty distinguished guests gather around a silver centerpiece in this detailed oil scene, capturing a celebratory moment of British triumph.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #2: The Waterloo Banquet

Art Movement: Academic Art
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17741 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20959 × 35 cm Commission at original size

Arthur Wellesley (1769–1852), 1st Duke of Wellington (1839)

1839 · National Maritime Museum, London · original 92 x 71 cm

A stern military leader stands on a beach with a sword at his side, his detailed uniform captured against a sky where a single bird flies.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #3: Arthur Wellesley (1769–1852), 1st Duke of Wellington

Art Movement: Academic Art
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34071 × 92 cm Commission at original size

William Salter, Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava (1840)

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

A military officer in a black uniform with a red stripe stands by a wooden table, his medals catching the light in this 1840 portrait.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #4: Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava

Art Movement: Academic Art
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Richard Egerton by William Salter, 1838

1838 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

William Salter’s 1838 portrait ‘Richard Egerton’ showcases a formal military figure in opulent attire. Explore this rich oil painting's realism, dramatic lighting & detailed style.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #5: Richard Egerton

Art Movement: Academic Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Stephen Galway Adye – William Salter

1838 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 53 x 43 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #6: Stephen Galway Adye

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21543 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Sir John Elley, William Salter

1839 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

Admire Sir John Elley by William Salter (1839). A formal portrait of a military officer in rich red uniform & feathered plume. Classic style, dramatic lighting – a captivating piece.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #7: Sir John Elley

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Sir Andrew Francis Barnard by William Salter

1836 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 53 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s 1836 portrait of Sir Andrew Barnard – a dramatic Neoclassical piece featuring rich detail & somber tones. Explore this iconic British artwork.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #8: Sir Andrew Francis Barnard

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21543 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Sir Colin Halkett (1838) by William Salter

1838 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s 1838 portrait of Sir Colin Halkett, a Neoclassical masterpiece showcasing military grandeur & meticulous detail. Explore this GCB officer's dignified likeness.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #9: Sir Colin Halkett

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

William George Harris, 2nd Baron Harris by William Salter

1836 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 52 x 42 cm

Explore William Salter’s 1836 portrait of Baron Harris! A meticulously rendered oil painting showcasing military status & quiet contemplation. Discover Victorian art history.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #10: William George Harris, 2nd Baron Harris

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21242 × 52 cm Commission at original size

Sir Richard Llewellyn – William Salter

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s ‘Sir Richard Llewellyn’ (1840), a dramatic Neoclassical portrait of a military officer. Explore this rich, layered oil painting – a glimpse into 19th-century British art.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #11: Sir Richard Llewellyn

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

James Hay by William Salter, 1840

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s 1840 portrait of James Hay – a distinguished officer in classical style. Explore its dramatic lighting, rich details & symbolic significance.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #12: James Hay

Art Movement: Historical Portraiture
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Charles Allix by William Salter, 1840

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

1840 William Salter portrait of Prince Charles Allix. Oil on canvas, Neoclassical style. A striking military subject & masterful 19th-century artwork.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #13: Charles Allix

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Sir Colin Campbell by William Salter, 1840

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 44 cm

Admire William Salter’s ‘Sir Colin Campbell,’ a striking 1840 oil portrait showcasing realism & chiaroscuro. Explore military detail, rich crimson hues, and historical elegance.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #14: Sir Colin Campbell

Art Movement: Historical Portraiture
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21844 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Sir Hew Dalrymple Ross by William Salter, 1840

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 50 x 42 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #15: Sir Hew Dalrymple Ross

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21042 × 50 cm Commission at original size

Sir Frederick Adam, 1848, William Salter

1848 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 53 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s 1848 portrait of Sir Frederick Adam, a distinguished military officer. This neoclassical/romantic oil painting showcases dynamic brushwork & rich colors – a captivating piece of British history.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #16: Sir Frederick Adam

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21543 × 53 cm Commission at original size

William Salter, Sir Henry Wyndham (1840)

1840 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

Admire William Salter’s ‘Sir Henry Wyndham,’ a neoclassical portrait of a military nobleman. Explore its dramatic lighting & rich detail – a stunning 1840 oil painting.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #17: Sir Henry Wyndham

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Richard Michell (1805–1877), First Principal of Hertford College (1874) by William Salter, 1874

1874 · Коледж Гертфорд, Oxford · original 152 x 125 cm

1874 portrait of Richard Michell by William Salter. A stately oil painting showcasing academic realism & dramatic lighting. Explore this significant 19th-century artwork.

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #18: Richard Michell (1805–1877), First Principal of Hertford College (1874)

Art Movement: Academic Painting
Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$702125 × 152 cm Commission at original size

John Jeffreys Pratt (1759–1840), Marquis Camden, William Salter

1825 · original 90 x 71 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #19: John Jeffreys Pratt (1759–1840), Marquis Camden

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33671 × 90 cm Commission at original size

William Salter: The Entombment of Christ

1838 · Honiton Town Council, Honiton · original 262 x 185 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #20: The Entombment of Christ

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst by William Salter

1834 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 53 x 43 cm

Admire 'Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst' by William Salter (1834). A refined portrait showcasing Victorian elegance & detail. Explore this captivating artwork today!

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #21: Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21543 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Thomas William Taylor (1838)

1838 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #22: Thomas William Taylor

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Clement Delves Hill by William Salter, 1837

1837 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #23: Clement Delves Hill

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Sir Henry Askew (1837)

1837 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 44 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #24: Sir Henry Askew

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21844 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Sir Charles Webb Dance by William Salter, 1836

1836 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 54 x 43 cm

View the most popular artwork of William Salter ranked #25: Sir Charles Webb Dance

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 88 artworks by William Salter
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21643 × 54 cm Commission at original size

The artist

William Salter

1804 – 1875

Quick facts

Typical colorsblack
Died1875
Creative periodsmature period
Topics exploredportrait, military, formal, victorian, uniform
Top 3 worksSir Henry Murray, The Waterloo Banquet, Arthur Wellesley (1769–1852), 1st Duke of Wellington
Top-ranked workSir Henry Murray
Movementsneoclassicism, academic realism
Copyright statusPublic domain

Biography

The Visionary Portraitist of a Changing Era

In the heart of the nineteenth century, as Britain navigated the profound shifts of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of its global influence, William Salter emerged as a painter capable of capturing the very soul of Victorian grandeur. Born in 1804 in the quiet town of Honiton, Devon, Salter’s early life was rooted in the traditional English landscape, yet his artistic spirit was destined for much larger stages. His journey from a student at Honiton Grammar School to a respected figure in the London art scene was paved with an unyielding dedication to classical mastery and an insatiable intellectual curiosity. Unlike many of his contemporaries who sought fame through mere trend-following, Salter’s approach was one of deep, scholarly immersion, blending the precision of a documentarian with the emotional depth of a true storyteller.

The foundation of Salter's technical brilliance was laid far from the English coast. In 1822, he sought the rigorous training offered by the studios of James Northcote, a connection that would prove transformative for his developing style. This period of apprenticeship allowed him to absorb the nuances of light and shadow, preparing him for his subsequent Grand Tour of Italy. While traveling through the artistic heartlands of Florence and Padua, Salter did not merely observe; he engaged with the classical ideals of the Renaissance. It was during these Italian sojourn that works such as Socrates before his Judges were conceived, earning him significant acclaim among European intellectuals and establishing his reputation as an artist capable of handling complex, historical narratives with grace and psychological insight.

A Monumental Legacy: The Waterloo Banquet

The zenith of Salter’s career arrived in 1836 with the unveiling of his most ambitious and celebrated undertaking: The Waterloo Banquet. Commissioned by the Duke of Wellington himself, this colossal work was far more than a simple commemorative painting; it was a tableau vivant of historical magnitude. The canvas serves as a breathtaking window into a singular moment of British triumph, meticulously depicting approximately eighty distinguished individuals gathered to celebrate the victory at Waterloo. To execute such a feat, Salter had to possess an extraordinary capacity for observation, capturing not only the regalia and the magnificent silver chandelier by Domingos Antonio de Sequeira but also the subtle interpersonal dynamics of the assembled elite.

Within this masterpiece, one finds the hallmark of Salter’s technique—a seamless blend of realism and atmosphere. He managed to convey the sheer scale of the event without sacrificing the individual dignity of his subjects. The painting, which remains a crown jewel of Apsley House, stands as a testament to his ability to synthesize historical documentation with artistic grandeur. Through his brush, the celebratory energy of the banquet is preserved for eternity, allowing modern viewers to feel the weight of the era's political and social significance.

Portraiture, Precision, and Historical Significance

Beyond the monumental scale of his historical compositions, Salter’s repertoire included a range of intimate portraits that showcased his mastery of character. His ability to render textures—the heavy crimson of a military uniform or the delicate lace of a lady's gown—made him a sought-after painter for the British aristocracy and military officers alike. Works such as Sir John Elley and Sir Colin Campbell demonstrate his skill in using chiaroscuro to create dramatic, lifelike presences that command the viewer's attention.

Salter’s contribution to art history extends beyond the canvas; he was an educator and a traveler whose life reflected the intellectual vigor of his age. His legacy is defined by several key pillars:

Technical Mastery: A profound command of classical academic traditions, refined through study in Italy and under masters like Northcote.
Historical Documentation: The ability to transform historical events into enduring visual narratives that capture the zeitgeist of the 19th century.
Psychological Depth: A talent for portraiture that moved beyond mere likeness to reveal the character and status of his subjects.
Cultural Impact: His role in elevating British portraiture to a level of international prestige during the Victorian era.

When William Salter passed away on 22 December 1875, he left behind a body of work that remains an essential archive of British identity. His paintings continue to serve as vital touchstones for understanding the elegance, the complexity, and the monumental ambitions of a nation at the height of its power.

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did William Salter work?

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

What colors did William Salter use most often?

The Palette Genome of William Salter is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

How do I find works by William Salter in a specific palette?

William Salter's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Oct. 26, 2026

Collector's quiz

What was William Salter primarily known for creating?
Where did Salter spend his formative years studying art?
What significant event inspired Salter to undertake the ambitious painting project of “The Waterloo Banquet”?’
Salter’s patronage came from whom?
What was the centerpiece of “The Waterloo Banquet”, symbolizing victory and commemorating the Battle of Waterloo?

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.

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All artworks by William Salter