Early Life and Training

Richard Parkes Bonington, a prominent figure in the Romanticism movement, was born on October 25, 1802, in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. His family's relocation to Calais, France, at the age of 14 would significantly influence his artistic style, blending English and French aesthetics.

Artistic Development

• Under the tutelage of François Louis Thomas Francia, Bonington mastered the English watercolour technique, which he would later revolutionize.
• He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, studying under Antoine-Jean, Baron Gros, further refining his craft.

Artistic Contributions and Style

Key Characteristics:

• Coastal scenes with low horizons and expansive skies, showcasing his skill in capturing light and atmosphere.
• Historical cabinet paintings, executed in a freely-handled troubadour style.

Influences and Legacy

• Friendship with Eugène Delacroix, who influenced Bonington's shift towards historical painting.
• Development of a unique technique combining watercolour, gouache, and gum, achieving an effect akin to oil painting.
• Short but impactful career, culminating in his untimely death at 25 due to tuberculosis.

Notable Works and Locations

• Les Salinieres near Trouville (Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh), exemplifying his plein air landscape painting style.
• Abbey St-Amand, Rouen (Yale Center for British Art, New Haven), showcasing his watercolour prowess.

Museums and Collections Featuring His Work

• The Wallace Collection, housing a significant number of Bonington's landscapes and historical paintings.
• Nottingham School of Art, where a statue in his honour is erected.

Conclusion

Richard Parkes Bonington's brief yet profound impact on the art world has left an indelible mark. His innovative techniques and captivating landscapes continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

• Explore more of Bonington's works at https://WahooArt.com/@/Richard-Parkes-Bonington
• Discover the Wallace Collection and its extensive art holdings at https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/Buy?open&RA=8XYFFG
• Learn more about the Romanticism movement and its influential artists at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism

References:

• Richard Parkes Bonington, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Parkes_Bonington
• The Wallace Collection, WahooArt, https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/Buy?open&RA=8XYFFG

Early Life and Training

Richard Parkes Bonington, a prominent figure in the British Romantic movement, was born on October 25, 1802, in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. His father, also named Richard, was a multifaceted individual who worked as a gaoler, drawing master, and lace-maker. This diverse background likely influenced Bonington's early artistic inclinations. https://WahooArt.com/@/RichardParkesBonington, the online platform for art enthusiasts, offers an extensive collection of Bonington's works, showcasing his mastery over landscapes and historical scenes.

Artistic Evolution and Influences

Bonington's artistic journey began with watercolor painting, taught by his father. By the age of eleven, he was already exhibiting at the Liverpool Academy. In 1817, his family moved to Calais, France, where he took lessons from François Louis Thomas Francia, who introduced him to the English watercolor technique.

• Francia's influence can be seen in Bonington's early works, characterized by a blend of English and French styles.
• His meeting with Eugène Delacroix https://WahooArt.com/@/EugeneDelacroix, a French Romantic painter, further shaped his artistic approach.
• Bonington's time at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under Antoine-Jean, Baron Gros, solidified his skills.

Notable Works and Achievements

Key Paintings:

• Rouen, Normandy, c. 1823 (Available on https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/Buy?open&RA=8XYHDC)
• View of the Lagoon Near Venice, 1827 (Louvre)
• Charles V. visits François Ier after the Battle of Pavia, c. 1827

Awards and Recognition:

• Gold medal at the Paris Salon in 1824, alongside John Constable and Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding.
• Delacroix's tribute to Bonington's work in a letter to Théophile Thoré in 1861, highlighting his lightness of touch.

Legacy and Remembrance

Bonington's life was cut short due to tuberculosis, which claimed his life on September 23, 1828, at the age of 25. Despite his brief career, he left an indelible mark on British Romanticism.

• A statue in Nottingham School of Art, erected by Watson Fothergill.
• A theatre and primary school in his hometown of Arnold named after him.
• The Wallace Collection houses a significant group of 35 works, showcasing both his landscapes and history paintings.

https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/All-Popular-Artists, featuring the greatest artists of all time, including Bonington, is a testament to his enduring legacy.