Martin Archer Shee Paintings

Martin Archer Shee was a distinguished Irish portrait painter and president of the Royal Academy. Born in Dublin on December 23, 1769, Shee came from a well-to-do merchant family. Early on, he showed a keen interest in the arts, particularly painting, and was encouraged to pursue his talent. He studied at the Dublin Society's drawing schools, where he won a silver medal for his work.

After moving to London in 1788, Shee set up a portrait studio and quickly established himself as a talented artist, gaining the patronage of the Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV. His success as a portraitist grew, and he became known for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his sitters, which included many notable figures of the time.

In 1798, Shee was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy, and in 1800, he became a full Academician, a significant achievement that reflected his standing in the art community. His work continued to flourish, and he exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy.

Following the death of Sir Thomas Lawrence in 1830, Shee was elected President of the Royal Academy, a position he held until his death. His presidency was marked by his dedication to the institution and his efforts to improve the conditions and opportunities for artists within the British art establishment.

Shee was also a writer and published several works, including a play and a satirical poem. His writings provide insight into his thoughts on art and the role of artists in society. He was knighted by King William IV in 1831 in recognition of his contributions to the arts.

Martin Archer Shee's legacy is one of considerable achievement in the face of personal challenges, including financial struggles and the loss of his wife in 1835. Despite these difficulties, he left a lasting impact on the British art world through his portraits, his leadership at the Royal Academy, and his written works. He died in Brighton on August 13, 1850, and was buried in the St. James's Cemetery, Liverpool.