Henry Singleton was an English painter and miniaturist. Born on October 19, 1766, in London, he was the youngest son of William Singleton, a successful tobacconist, and his wife Mary. Singleton showed an early talent for art, which was encouraged by his uncle, the miniaturist William Singleton.
Singleton first studied under his uncle and later entered the Royal Academy Schools at the young age of twelve, which was quite exceptional. He exhibited his first work at the Royal Academy in 1784, when he was only 17. Throughout his career, Singleton painted in a variety of styles and was particularly known for his historical and genre paintings, as well as his portraits. He became a prolific artist, producing a large body of work that also included illustrations for books.
In 1793, Singleton was appointed Miniature Painter to the Duchess of York. His works were widely appreciated for their narrative quality and attention to detail. He was a contemporary of artists such as George Romney, Henry Fuseli, and John Hoppner, and he competed with them for commissions and acclaim.
Singleton never married and lived with his sisters in London. He continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy until 1839, the year of his death. Singleton's works reflected the tastes and styles of his time, and he adapted to the changing demands of the art market throughout his career. After his death on September 15, 1839, Singleton's works continued to be valued, although they did not reach the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. Today, his paintings can be found in various art collections and museums, offering insights into the art and society of late 18th and early 19th century Britain.
