the collector's folio

Joseph Highmore Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Joseph Highmore our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Joseph Highmore · 1692 – 1780

Mr. Oldham and his Friends

1750 · Tate Gallery, London · original 105 x 130 cm

Delve into Georgian society with Joseph Highmore's 'Mr. Oldham and his Friends,' a captivating portrait capturing camaraderie and relaxation amidst four gentlemen enjoying wine. Explore the Rococo influence on British art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$625130 × 105 cm Commission at original size

A Couple Dressed in the Height of Fashion

Tate Britain, London · original 20 x 26 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Lady

1735 · original 108 x 88 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$48688 × 108 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Major-General James Wolfe

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of An Unidentified Man

Admire 'Portrait of an Unidentified Man,' a captivating Baroque-inspired painting by Joseph Highmore. Explore this elegant 18th-century portrait's rich details & historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of An Unknown Woman

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Pamela In The Bedroom With Mrs Jewkes And Mr B

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Thomas Ripley

Explore Joseph Highmore’s ‘Thomas Ripley,’ a stately 18th-century portrait showcasing classical elegance & dramatic lighting. Discover Rococo artistry & historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Isabella Lee And Her Grandson, William Waller

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The Artist's Wife Susanna, Son Anthony And Daughter Susanna

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Lady In Pink

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of Three Children

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20032 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

James Wigley Of Scraptoft Hall

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

William Fellowes Of Shotesham

Explore Joseph Highmore’s ‘William Fellowes Of Shotesham,’ a refined 18th-century portrait showcasing Georgian society & elegant Rococo style. Discover this captivating artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20032 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

A Boy In Van Dyck Costume

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Pamela Asks Sir Jacob Swinford's Blessing

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Boy

Admire Joseph Highmore’s 'Portrait of a Boy,' a refined 18th-century Rococo masterpiece. Explore its elegant style, textured details & symbolic attire – a captivating glimpse into Georgian society.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of An Unknown Gentleman In A Red Coat

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs. Sharpe And Her Child

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

William Augustus

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

John Montagu, 4th Earl Of Sandwich

Admire John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich by Joseph Highmore! This elegant 18th-century portrait showcases aristocratic style & detail. Commission a hand-painted replica today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Samuel Richardson

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Man

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sketch Of A Young Girl

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20030 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

David Le Marchand

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 152 artworks by Joseph Highmore
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Joseph Highmore

1692 – 1780

Quick facts

Mediumsoil on canvas
Creative periodsmature period
Top 3 worksMr. Oldham and his Friends, A Couple Dressed in the Height of Fashion, Portrait of a Lady
Color intensitymonochromatic
Typical colorsespresso
Died1780
Works on APS152
Art periodEarly Modern

Biography

A Life Dedicated to Likeness and Narrative

Joseph Highmore, born in London in 1692, emerged as a pivotal figure within the evolving landscape of 18th-century English art. His journey began amidst familial expectations geared towards a legal career—a path he ultimately abandoned at seventeen to wholeheartedly pursue his artistic inclinations. This decisive turn led him to the studios of Sir Godfrey Kneller and anatomy lectures delivered by William Cheselden, foundational experiences that shaped his technical skill and profound understanding of the human form. Initially influenced by the grand Baroque tradition exemplified by Kneller, Highmore’s style would gradually embrace the more delicate aesthetics of the Rococo period, a shift reflective of broader cultural currents sweeping across Europe. He wasn't merely a painter; he was a keen observer of society, and his canvases became mirrors reflecting the lives, manners, and moral concerns of Georgian England.

From Royal Patrons to Middle-Class Commissions

Highmore’s early career benefited from patronage within royal circles, particularly during the 1730s and 40s. This afforded him opportunities to portray prominent figures like King George II and, famously, General James Wolfe—portraits that demonstrate not only his technical prowess but also a remarkable ability to capture character and presence. A formative journey through the Netherlands and France between 1732 and 1734 further broadened his artistic horizons, exposing him to the works of masters such as Rubens and van Dyck. However, Highmore’s adaptability proved crucial to his sustained success. As tastes evolved and a burgeoning middle class sought representation, he skillfully adjusted his focus, catering to their desire for portraits that reflected their social standing and domestic lives. This period saw the rise of his celebrated “conversation pieces”—group portraits depicting families or friends engaged in informal gatherings—a genre where Highmore excelled at conveying both individual personalities and the dynamics of social interaction. These works weren’t simply records of appearance; they were narratives frozen in time, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of his sitters. Mr Matthew Bell, for example, showcases a dignified composure typical of his Rococo realism, while portraits like Anthony Highmore reveal an elegant attire and timeless composition.

Illustrating Virtue: ‘Pamela’ and Beyond

While renowned for his portraiture, Joseph Highmore achieved widespread recognition through a unique project that bridged the worlds of art and literature. In 1744, he embarked on a series of twelve paintings inspired by Samuel Richardson's immensely popular novel, *Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded*. These illustrations weren’t merely decorative accompaniments to the text; they were carefully considered interpretations of key scenes, designed to amplify the story’s emotional impact and moral message. The engravings derived from these paintings, executed by Benoist and Louis Truchy, further disseminated Richardson's narrative to a wider audience, effectively making Highmore an instrumental figure in popularizing the novel. Beyond *Pamela*, Highmore also ventured into historical painting, exemplified by his donation of Hagar and Ishmael to the Foundling Hospital—a testament to both his artistic skill and his engagement with contemporary social issues. This work, along with others, reveals a willingness to explore complex themes and narratives beyond the realm of portraiture, reflecting a deep sensitivity to the vulnerabilities within society.

A Legacy of Realism and Refinement

In 1762, at the age of seventy, Highmore retired to Canterbury, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law, continuing to engage intellectually through art historical writings—including a critical examination of Rubens’s work. He passed away in 1780, aged eighty-seven, and was buried in accordance with a statute designed to support the wool trade. Joseph Highmore's legacy rests on his significant contribution to English portraiture during the Rococo period. His paintings are characterized by a remarkable attention to detail, a sensitivity to individual character, and an ability to capture the essence of Georgian society. He wasn’t simply a recorder of appearances; he was a storyteller who used paint to illuminate the lives, values, and aspirations of his time.

Family Connections: Susanna Highmore (née Hiller): His wife, a poet whose works remain largely unpublished.
Anthony Highmore: His son, also an artist.
Anthony Highmore Jr.: A grandson who became a writer on legal affairs and a social activist.

His work continues to resonate today as a testament to the power of art to both reflect and shape our understanding of the past.

Questions & Answers

Can I explore Joseph Highmore's works by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps Joseph Highmore's artworks by subject.

Can I explore Joseph Highmore's works by keyword?

To find works by Joseph Highmore on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.

Can I study Joseph Highmore's use of color across all works?

Joseph Highmore's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

By the OriginalUniqueArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Joseph Highmore initially pursued a career in what field before dedicating himself to art?
What genre of painting did Highmore become particularly known for, depicting families in informal settings?
Highmore gained significant recognition for illustrating which popular novel?
In what city did Joseph Highmore retire to?
What artistic style significantly influenced Highmore's work, particularly during the 18th century?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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