Francis Wheatley: A Life in Portraits and Landscapes Francis Wheatley (1747-1801) was a prominent English portrait and landscape painter of the 18th century, known for his depictions of rural life, social scenes, and portraits capturing the spirit of his time. Born at Wild Court, Covent Garden, London, he navigated a complex personal life alongside a burgeoning artistic career, leaving behind a legacy celebrated for its accessibility and charm. Early Life and Artistic Training Wheatley’s early life was marked by both opportunity and instability. The son of a master tailor, his talent for d…