George Morland was a prominent English painter, known for his rustic scenes, animals, and landscapes. Born on June 26, 1763, in London, Morland's artistic talents were evident from an early age. His father, Henry Robert Morland, encouraged his son's artistic development, and by the time George was ten years old, his name appeared as an honorary exhibitor of sketches at the Royal Academy.
Early Career and Influences
Morland's early work was influenced by Francis Wheatley, but he later developed his own unique style. He was introduced to Sir Joshua Reynolds, who allowed him to copy his pictures, and Morland's skills in original composition were evident in the fine engraving by William Ward, after his picture of
The Angler's Repast, published in 1780.
Morland's apprenticeship with his father ended in 1784, and he set up on his own, commencing a life of hard work and hard drinking. His boon companions included "ostlers, potboys, horse jockeys, moneylenders, pawnbrokers, punks, and pugilists." Despite his excessive lifestyle, Morland was prolific, producing many works, including
A Halt By The Way and
Study Of Guinea Pigs, which can be found on
WahooArt.com.
Style and Legacy
Morland's best compositions focus on rustic scenes, farms, hunting, smugglers, gypsies, and rich, textured landscapes informed by Dutch Golden Age painting. His work was intended for reproduction in prints, from which his publishers made a good deal more money than he did. Despite his troubles with debts and his early death at the age of 41, Morland's legacy lives on.
Some of his notable works include:
English art has a rich history, with
George Morland being one of its notable contributors. His work can be found in various museums and collections, including the
Somerville College in Oxford, which has an exceptional collection of art, including works by
Roger Eliot Fry,
George Romney, and
Ivon Hitchens. For more information on English art and George Morland's work, visit
Wikipedia or
WahooArt.com.