Sarah Wright Biffin Paintings

Sarah Biffin, also known as Sarah Wright Biffin or Mrs. E.M. Wright, was an English miniature portrait painter born in 1784 in East Quantoxhead, Somerset, England. Despite being born with a rare congenital condition called phocomelia, which left her with no arms or hands and very short legs, Biffin became an accomplished artist, known for her miniature paintings and her incredible ability to paint with her mouth and shoulders.

Biffin's talents were recognized early on when she was discovered by a showman named Emmanuel Dukes, who exhibited her as part of his traveling show. During this time, Biffin taught herself to write, sew, and paint. Her skill was so impressive that, in 1808, she was awarded a medal from the Society of Arts for her ability to write.

Her life changed significantly when she came to the notice of the Earl of Morton, who offered to sponsor her education. With the Earl's support, she received formal art training and began to exhibit her work at the Royal Academy. Biffin quickly earned a reputation for her exquisite miniature portraits, capturing the likeness and character of her subjects with remarkable detail and precision.

Throughout her career, Biffin was sought after by many notable figures of the time, including members of the British royal family. She received numerous commissions and was able to support herself through her art, a significant achievement for a woman with such disabilities living in the 19th century.

Despite the challenges she faced, including periods of financial difficulty and the need to fight for the rights to sell her own work, Biffin's legacy endures as an artist who overcame remarkable odds to achieve success. She passed away in 1850, but her work continues to be admired for its delicacy, skill, and the inspiring story of the woman behind the brush.