Francis Wheatley (painter)

Francis Wheatley (1747 – 28 June 1801) was an English painter, best known for his idealized depictions of rural life and his portraits.

Biography

Born in London, Wheatley initially trained under William Shipley, and later studied at the Royal Academy Schools. He established a successful portrait practice early in his career, exhibiting at the Society of Artists and the Free Society. He was associated with a scandal involving the elopement of Elizabeth Gresse, a fellow artist and wife of another painter, John Alexander Gresse, to Dublin. This association damaged his reputation and he subsequently moved to Dublin himself, where he worked as a portrait painter and scene painter at the Crow Street Theatre.

Wheatley returned to London in 1779 and resumed his career, exhibiting at the Royal Academy. He gained considerable popularity for his genre scenes, often depicting rural life and the working classes in a sentimental and picturesque manner. These works were frequently reproduced as prints, contributing significantly to his fame and income. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1790 and a full Academician in 1791.

Wheatley's later life was marked by financial difficulties, possibly exacerbated by his extravagant lifestyle. He died in London in 1801.

Works

Wheatley's artistic output includes portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes. He is particularly renowned for his idealized depictions of rural life, often featuring peasants engaged in everyday activities such as harvesting, haymaking, and selling goods. These paintings, often characterized by their soft colors, delicate brushwork, and sentimental tone, were highly popular with the public and helped to shape contemporary perceptions of the English countryside. He also produced a notable series of paintings illustrating the "Cries of London," depicting street vendors and their wares. Notable examples of his work are held in major museums and galleries, including the Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Legacy

Francis Wheatley's art provides a valuable insight into the social and cultural landscape of late 18th-century England. His paintings offer a romanticized vision of rural life that resonated with contemporary audiences and continues to be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and historical significance. His "Cries of London" series is particularly significant as a detailed visual record of street life in the capital at the time. His work influenced later generations of artists and continues to be studied and admired.