RICHARD

See also:

• RICHARD WESTALL (1765—1836)

WESTALL (1765—1836)  , English subject painter, was born in Hertford in 1765, of a Norwich family . In 1779 he went to London, and was apprenticed to an engraver on silver, and in 1785 he began to study in the schools of the Royal Academy . He painted " Esau seeking Jacob's Blessing," " Mary Queen of Scots going to Execution " and other historical subjects in water-colour, and some good portraits in the same medium, but he is mainly known as a book-illustrator . He produced five subjects for the Shakespeare Gallery, illustrated an edition of Milton, executed a very popular series of illustrations to the Bible and the prayer-book, and designed places for numerous other works . In 18o8 he published a poem, A Day in Spring, illustrated by his own pencil . His designs are rather tame, mannered and effeminate . He became an associate of the Royal Academy in 1792, and a full member in 1794; and during his later years he was a pensioner of the Academy . He died on the 4th of December 1836 . His brother, William Westall, A.R.A . (r781—185o), landscape painter, is mainly known by his illustrations to works of travel .