A Life of Portraiture and History
Arthur William Devis was an English painter of history paintings and portraits. Born in London, he was the son of the artist Arthur Devis and Elizabeth Faulkner. He entered the Royal Academy Schools as a pupil in 1774, following his elder brother, Thomas Anthony Devis. His early career brought him to the notice of Sir Joshua Reynolds. In 1783, he served as a draughtsman on the British East India Company's packet Antelope during a voyage that included stops in the Pelew Islands, Canton, and Bengal. During this time, he sustained arrow wounds, including one that caused permanent injury to his lower jaw. While in Bengal, he painted a portrait of Sir William Jones, which is currently held at the British Library.
Notable Works and Legacy
Devis is recognized for his involvement in the creation of the posthumous cult of Horatio Nelson. Following the Battle of Trafalgar, he was present on board the HMS Victory during the autopsy of Nelson's body. Using sketches made at that time, he produced a sensation with his painting, the Death of Nelson. He also painted a half-length portrait of Nelson as vice-admiral, which was commissioned by Dr. Beatty. Other works in his repertoire include:
- Master Simpson (1780), a portrait of a boy carrying a dog.
- A portrait of King George III on horseback.
- Historical subjects such as the Babington Plot and the signing of the Magna Carta.
- Portraits of various admirals and generals.
Despite his artistic output, Devis faced financial difficulties and imprisonment for debt. He died in London of apoplexy and was buried in the St Giles-in-the-Fields churchyard.
Vraag en antwoord
In welke historische periode werkte Arthur William Devis?
Arthur William Devis werkte in de Early Modern-periode. Deze periode plaatst het oeuvre van de kunstenaar in een historisch kader.
Waar zijn de kunstwerken van Arthur William Devis gegroepeerd per techniek te vinden?
Om alle werken van Arthur William Devis in een bepaald medium te vinden, kunt u de Alle technieken pagina van de kunstenaar gebruiken.
Welke stemmingen drukken de kunstwerken van Arthur William Devis uit?
Op de Sfeercollectie pagina van de kunstenaar vindt u de kunstwerken van Arthur William Devis, gerangschikt op basis van hun sfeer.
Kan ik de werken van Arthur William Devis bekijken op basis van kleurenpalet?
De werken van Arthur William Devis kunnen op basis van kleurpalet worden bekeken op de Op kleurpalet pagina van de kunstenaar.
