Wells held a significant place within the field of miniature painting in the mid-nineteenth century and continued to enjoy a prolific career as a portraitist working at full-scale until the close of the century. At the time of his death Wells’s friend Clayton wrote that his career had "from early boyhood to his election to full membership of the Royal Academy" been one of "constantly-growing distinction." Wells left a substantial oeuvre of portraits which deserve more attention in the light of Clayton’s comment. Likewise, a proper assessment of his handful of history paintings and scenes of modern life, particularly his focus on masculine pastimes and labours in the final decades of the century, would also repay further study. — Herrington et al. 284
Miniatures
Portraits
Subject Paintings
- Queen Victoria receiving the news of her accession to the throne at Buckingham Palace on June 20, 1837
- Quarrymen of Purbeck, Dorset
Bibliography
Herrington, Katie J.T., Louise Cooling and Alicia Hughes. "Henry Tanworth Wells: Miniaturist and Portriatist of Distinction." Victorian Artists and Their World, 1844-1861, as Reflected in the Papers of Joanna and George Boyce and Henry Wells. Edited by Herrington. Woodbridge, Suffolk: The Boydell Press, 2024. 269-285. [Review of whole book]
Created 13 July 2024