Henry Gales (1834-1897): A Portraitist of Victorian Political Landscape Henry Gales, born in Accra, United Kingdom, was a prolific English painter who achieved considerable renown during the Victorian era. Primarily celebrated for his monumental portrait of the 1867 Derby Cabinet—a group depiction capturing the deliberations of Britain’s governing elite—Gales’ oeuvre reflects the artistic sensibilities of Norwich School and embodies the spirit of meticulous observation characteristic of the period. His life was marked by both personal tragedy and professional success, establishing him as a s…