William Hamilton
1751–1801 · British · 19 artworks
NeoclassicismRococoElegant figure drawingTheatrical compositionsHistorical and literary subject matterUse of light and shadowAttention to costume and detail
artist bio
William Hamilton was a British painter, illustrator and Royal Academician, known for his elegant Neoclassical and Rococo paintings, often depicting scenes from literature and history. He contributed significantly to the development of British art in the late 18th century, particularly through his history paintings and theatrical subjects.
what you'll learn
Studying Hamilton's work allows students to explore the transition between Rococo and Neoclassical styles, and to understand how artists used historical and literary subjects to convey moral and emotional narratives. Students can also learn about composition and figure drawing.
related: Joshua Reynolds, Benjamin West
19 artworks
A Scene from 'As You Like It' by William Shakespeare
1790
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The Watercress-Gatherers
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Scene from Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' (Act II, Scene 1)
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Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare. Act V, Scene 1
1801
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Calypso receiving Telemachus and Mentor in the Grotto
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A Winter's Tale', Act IV, Scene 3, the Shepherd's Cot
1787
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The Honourable, Later Admiral, Henry Curzon (1765–1846)
1787
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Mrs Sarah Siddons (1755–1831), as Euphrasia
1784
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King Edgar's First Interview with Queen Elfrida (Aelfryth)
1774
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Vortigern and Rowena
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Scene from Shakespeare's 'A Winter's Tale
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John Wesley
1788
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Sarah Siddons as Isabella from 'The Tragedy of Isabella' or 'The Fatal Marriage'
1785
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The Pilgrim
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Maria, Olivia and Viola from 'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare
1789
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Olivia's proposal
1796
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Sarah Siddons (1755–1831)
1784
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Mary Curzon (1585–1645), Countess of Dorset
1776
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John Philip Kemble (1757–1823), as Richard in 'Richard III' by William Shakespeare
1788
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