Edwin Longsden Long RA was an English genre, history, biblical and portrait painter. Born on July 12, 1829, in Bath, Somerset, England, Long initially pursued a career in business before turning to painting. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he developed his artistic talents. In the early stages of his career, he painted portraits and genre scenes.
Long's travels to Spain and Egypt had a profound influence on his work. His time in Spain, where he was inspired by the work of Diego Velázquez, is reflected in his genre paintings of Spanish life. After visiting Egypt in 1874, Long began to produce works with themes from ancient history and the Bible, often characterized by their attention to detail and historical accuracy.
His most notable works include 'The Babylonian Marriage Market' and 'An Egyptian Feast', which displayed his fascination with exotic and historical subjects. These paintings enjoyed immense popularity during the Victorian era, and Long was celebrated for his ability to capture the opulence and grandeur of the ancient civilization.
Long was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA) in 1870 and became a Royal Academician (RA) in 1881. He enjoyed considerable success during his lifetime and his works were exhibited widely. Edwin Longsden Long died on May 15, 1891, in Hampstead, London. His legacy is that of a painter who brought the richness of ancient civilizations to the Victorian public through his detailed and evocative works.
