George Hayter

Early Life and Education

• Born: December 17, 1792, in St James's, London, England
• Died: January 18, 1871, in London, England
• Parents: Charles Hayter (miniature painter and drawing teacher) and an unknown mother.
• Early Training: Admitted to the Royal Academy Schools early in his life. Studied under Fuseli.
• Naval Service: Briefly served as a midshipman in the Royal Navy in 1808, but left after a disagreement about his art studies.
• Family Life: Married Sarah Milton when he was 15 and she was 28; they had three children. Later formed a relationship with Louisa Cauty, with whom he had two more children. His domestic life was unconventional for the time.

Artistic Development and Key Works

• Early Style: Initially focused on miniatures and portraits in chalk and crayons.
• Italian Period (1816-1826): Studied in Rome, influenced by Canova's classical style; painted a portrait of Canova. Became a member of the Academy of St. Luke in Rome.
• Significant Works:
  • The Trial of Queen Caroline in the House of Lords (1820) – A large-scale work demonstrating his taste for dramatic scenes.
  • The Trial of William, Lord Russell (1825) - Celebrated John Russell’s ancestry.
  • Moving the Address to the Crown on the Opening of the First Reformed Parliament in the Old House of Commons (1833-1843) – A monumental work depicting a key moment in British history, showcasing nearly 400 portraits. Purchased by the government for the nation in 1854.
  • The Coronation of Queen Victoria (1838) - An important royal portrait.
  • The Marriage of Queen Victoria (1840) – Another significant royal commission.
• Style: Known for dramatic compositions, large-scale works with numerous figures, and a taste for historical subjects.

Royal Patronage and Recognition

• Appointment to the Royal Court: Appointed ‘painter of miniatures and portraits’ by Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold early in his career.
• Principal Painter in Ordinary: Following David Wilkie's death, appointed 'principal painter in ordinary to the queen' in 1841.
• Knighthood: Knighted in 1841 for his services to the crown.
• Foreign Honours: Received the Persian order of the Lion and Sun.

Influences and Legacy

• Charles Hayter (Father): Early artistic training under his father, a miniature painter.
• Canova: Influenced by Canova's classical style during his time in Rome.
• French Romantic Art: Showed assimilation of the style and exotic subject-matter of contemporary French romantic art.
• Historical Significance: His large historical paintings, particularly The Moving of the Address to the Crown, provide valuable visual records of significant events in British history. He captured a pivotal moment in parliamentary reform.
• Legacy: While not elected to the Royal Academy, Hayter achieved considerable recognition and royal favour during his lifetime. His works are held in major collections including the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Collection.

Later Years and Death

• Continued to paint portraits and historical subjects throughout his later years.
• Exhibited at the British Institution until 1859.
• Death: Died on January 18, 1871, in London.