James Posselwhite Collection

Richard Arkwright, 18th century British industrialist and inventor, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Richard Arkwright, 18th century British industrialist and inventor, (1836). Arkwright (1732-1792) was the inventor of textile manufacturing machinery which included the first practical means of

Sir William Jones, 18th century English philologist, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Sir William Jones, 18th century English philologist, (1836)

John Locke, English philosopher, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
John Locke, English philosopher, (1836). Locke (1632-1704) is regarded as the father of British empiricism. He was the author of Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690)

Joseph Black, 18th century Scottish physicist and chemist, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Joseph Black, 18th century Scottish physicist and chemist, (1836). Black (1728-1799) was the first to isolate carbon dioxide in a pure state

Abbe Charles-Michel de l Epee, 18th century French philanthropic educator, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Abbe Charles-Michel de l Epee, 18th century French philanthropic educator, (1836). Epee (1712-1789) was prominent in educating the deaf

Donato Bramante, Italian Renaissance architect, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Donato Bramante, Italian Renaissance architect, (1836). Bramante (1444-1514) began his architectural career in Milan, before moving to Rome in 1499

Thomas Hobbes, 17th century English philosopher, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Thomas Hobbes, 17th century English philosopher, (1836). Hobbes (1588-1679) is best known for his work on political philosophy, Leviathan, published in 1651

William Pitt the Younger, British politician, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
William Pitt the Younger, British politician, 19th century. Pitt (1759-1806) became Prime Minister at the age of 24, making him the youngest to hold the office in British history

Canova, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Canova, 19th century. Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was an Italian sculptor who became famous for his marble sculptures that delicately rendered nude flesh

Poussin, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Poussin, 19th century. Poussin (c1594-1665) was a French painter, the founder and greatest practitioner of 17th century French classical painting

Sir Joshua Reynolds, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Sir Joshua Reynolds, 19th century. Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) was the most important and influential of 18th century English painters

Rubens, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Rubens, 19th century. Pieter Pauwel (Peter Paul) Rubens (1577-1640) was a Flemish artist, considered by many to be one of the greatest painters in European art history

Jeremy Bentham, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Jeremy Bentham, 19th century. Jeremy Bentham, English social reformer and philosopher. Bentham (1748-1832) established the doctrine of utilitarianism

Leonardo da Vinci, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Leonardo da Vinci, 19th century. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Italian artist, engineer, scientist and inventor whose drawings featured ideas such as a spinning wheel and a flying machine

Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish artist, 19th century. Artist: James Posselwhite
Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish artist, 19th century. Rubens (1577-1640) is considered by many to be one of the greatest painters in European art history

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James Posselwhite, a talented artist of the 19th century, captured the essence of renowned historical figures through his exquisite paintings. In his artwork, he immortalized Richard Arkwright, an influential British industrialist and inventor who revolutionized the textile industry. With meticulous brushstrokes, Posselwhite depicted Sir William Jones, an English philologist whose linguistic contributions shaped our understanding of ancient languages. Posselwhite's artistic prowess extended to scientific luminaries as well. His portrayal of Joseph Black showcased the Scottish physicist and chemist's groundbreaking discoveries in heat and gases during the 18th century. Additionally, Posselwhite paid homage to Abbe Charles-Michel de l'Epee, a compassionate French educator who pioneered methods for educating deaf individuals. The Italian Renaissance architect Donato Bramante also found himself under Posselwhite's masterful hand. Through careful attention to detail and architectural precision in his painting, Posselwhite celebrated Bramante's enduring legacy. Not limited to historical figures from centuries past, James Posselwhite ventured into capturing prominent personalities closer to his own time. He skillfully portrayed Thomas Hobbes - an eminent English philosopher known for his profound insights on human nature - with depth and contemplation. Amongst politicians immortalized by Posselwhite was William Pitt the Younger; his portrait radiated leadership and determination as he steered Britain through tumultuous times in the early 19th century. Possessing versatility beyond compare, it also delved into sculptural artistry within his paintings. His rendition of Canova showcased this famed Italian sculptor's ability to breathe life into marble masterpieces that still captivate audiences today. Poussin became another subject of fascination for Posselwhite as he sought to capture this influential painter's mastery over composition and storytelling within each canvas stroke. Similarly inspired by great artists before him was Sir Joshua Reynolds.