John Cunningham Saunders - (Arthur Devis)

1712–1787, United Kingdom

Arthur Devis

Arthur William Devis (1762–1822): The Gentle Hand of Portraiture and History Arthur William Devis (19 February 1712 – 25 July 1787) was an English painter whose father, Anthony, was progenitor of what became a family dynasty of painters and writers. The place of Arthur Devis in art history is generally as painter of the type of portrait now called a conversation piece. After moving to London and apprenticeship to a Flemish topographical artist there, he switched to portraiture and acquired a considerable reputation, although this success did not last. Unable to adapt to later fashionable artistic currents, his commissions declined and his work was largely forgotten after his death until the 20th century revival of interest in the conversation piece.

About Arthur Devis Notable works by Arthur Devis