Henry Singleton, R.A.

Henry Singleton was brought up by his uncle, the miniature painter William Singleton (d. 1793). In 1972 entered the Royal Academy Schools in London and in 1974 he won a silver medal for a drawing from life, exhibiting at the Royal Academy for the first time that same year. In 1793 Singleton was commissioned by the Royal Academy to paint the group portrait the Royal Academicians Assembled in their Council Chamber.¹ He soon became noted for his paintings inspired by the Bible and from literary sources. Throughout his life he had a great love of Shakespeare, and many of his works illustrate scenes from the plays, possibly including the present work. He also provided illustrations for books, including the Poems of Ossian (London, 1805), and for such periodicals as The Spectator, The Tatler and The Guardian. He exhibited at the Royal Academy until the year of his death.

¹ https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/work-of-art/the-royal-academicians-in-general-assembly-1