a self-taught master of victorian era landscapes and figure painting
william joseph shayer, senior, a prominent english landscape and figure painter, left an indelible mark on the art world during the victorian era. born in 1787 in southampton, united kingdom, shayer's artistic journey is a testament to his innate talent and perseverance.
early beginnings and collaborations
william joseph shayer, senior, with no formal training, began his artistic career by painting decorations on rush-bottom chairs. he then transitioned to painting carriages in guildford, followed by heraldic painting. eventually, he mastered oil on canvas, specializing in woodland scenes, country inns, and beach scenes teeming with boats and fishermen. shayer's collaborations with
edward charles williams are particularly noteworthy, where williams would paint the landscape, and shayer would add people and animals. this partnership resulted in captivating pieces like
the old roadside inn and
near wantage, berkshire.
artistic style and legacy
shayer's work is reminiscent of
george morland's figure paintings. however, his skillful application of glaze imbued his pieces with a unique depth and brightness, distinguishing him from his contemporaries.
key artworks: museum collections and exhibitions
shayer's works are showcased in various museums, including:
view william joseph shayer's artworks on TopImpressionists.com personal life and later years
shayer married twice, had ten children, and lived a long life, passing away at 92 in 1879. his eldest son,
william joseph shayer, junior, followed in his footsteps as a painter.
read more about william shayer on wikipedia
