Sir Martin Archer Shee
(1769-1850), Portrait painter and President of the Royal AcademyEarly Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 3 portraits
Artist associated with 91 portraits
The Irish-born Shee was primarily a portrait painter. He moved to London in 1788 where, after working as an engraver, he enrolled in the Royal Academy Schools in 1790. He was elected a full academician in 1805 An energetic reformer, Shee published Rhymes on Art, or the Remonstrance of a Painter (1800) which called for national support for the arts. The book was well received and was instrumental in the foundation of the British Institution in the same year.
by Sir Martin Archer Shee
oil on canvas, 1794
NPG 1093
by John Jackson
black chalk and watercolour, circa 1815
NPG 3153
by William Thomas Fry, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after John Jackson
stipple engraving, published 14 January 1817 (circa 1815)
NPG D40683
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