William Redmore Bigg was an English genre and portrait painter born on January 10, 1755, in St. James's Parish, London. He became known for his depictions of rural scenes, moralistic subjects, and domestic life, often infused with a sense of sentimentality and moral lessons, which were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Bigg began his artistic training under the esteemed portrait painter Edward Penny, who was a Royal Academy member and specialized in portraying the moralistic side of everyday life. Influenced by his mentor, Bigg developed a similar interest in genre painting. In 1778, he was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy and became a full Academician in 1787.
Throughout his career, Bigg exhibited over 140 paintings at the Royal Academy. His works, such as 'The Industrious Cottager' and 'The Idle Laundress,' reflect his focus on virtue and vice in the lower classes, encouraging the values of hard work and family life. He also painted scenes of charity, such as 'The Benevolent Heiress,' which showed the upper classes engaged in acts of kindness towards the less fortunate.
Bigg's art was well-received by a society that was increasingly interested in social reform and valued the edifying qualities of art. His paintings were engraved by leading printmakers of the time, which contributed to his popularity, as his work became accessible to a broader audience.
William Redmore Bigg continued to paint until his death on February 6, 1828. His legacy is that of a painter who captured the ethos of his time, creating works that not only pleased aesthetically but also promoted a moral message. While he may not be as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to British genre painting continue to be recognized by art historians and collectors.
