William Hamilton Art

William Hamilton (born 1751) was a historical painter. He was born in Chelsea to a Scottish father. His father was an assistant to an architect called Robert Adam. It was Adam who assisted Hamilton to visit Italy where he studied under Antonio Zucchi. However, by then Hamilton was still too young so he never benefited much from his residence in Rome. It was only after his return to England in 1769 and becoming a student of the Royal Academy that he learnt serious painting. Soon, Hamilton distinguished himself as a historical and portrait painter. His first exhibition was in 1774 at the Royal Academy, when he sent four works including King Edgar's first Interview with Elfrida. From 1780 to 1789 Hamilton’s contributions consisted mainly of portraits, more specifically those of theatrical personages. He also painted ornaments and arabesques in the style of Zucchi, and also painted the panels of Lord FitzGibbon's state carriage, for which be received five hundred guineas. The painting is now in the South Kensington Museum. In 1784 Hamilton was elected an associate of the Royal Academy, and five years later, he became an academician, when he presented the work Vertumnus and Pomona as his diploma. From then his works often represented subjects from scripture, poetry or history. Among his best works were “The Queen of Sheba entertained at a Banquet by King Solomon” and “The Woman of Samaria.” Today, framed William Hamilton art can be found allover the world in leading art galleries and museums.