Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Sir Martin Archer Shee died in 1850; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1920.
In context
Peter Atkinson — Sir Martin Archer Shee
The original measures 93 × 71 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 81 at death.
Painted when the artist was 56. The artist lived to 81. 37 of the 63 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Sir Martin Archer Shee (1769–1850) ▲ this work, 1825 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1812 Main working years: 1812–1833 Late works: from 1833
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/sir-martin-archer-shee-peter-atkinson-AQRRMJ-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Espresso #3c241d
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 84.1% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 99 works by this artist, of which 27 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 7 of them, with 4.4% of that attention (200 visits). The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Peter Atkinson — Sir Martin Archer Shee
The painting Peter Atkinson by Sir Martin Archer Shee is a stunning example of 19th-century art. Created in 1825, this oil on canvas piece measures 93 x 71 cm and showcases the artist's skill in capturing the essence of his subject. As an expert in art and a salesman at AllPaintingsStore.com, I am delighted to delve into the intricacies of this artwork and explore its significance.
Sir Martin Archer Shee was a renowned Irish painter who was known for his portraits of prominent figures. His style is characterized by the use of oil on canvas, and his works often depict a sense of realism and attention to detail. Sir Martin Archer Shee was a prominent figure in the art world during his time, and his paintings are still admired today for their beauty and historical significance.
The painting Peter Atkinson is a portrait of a man wearing a suit and tie, with his mouth open as if he's speaking or yelling. He appears to be holding papers in his hand while standing next to a curtain. The man is the main focus of the painting, occupying most of the frame. In addition to the man, there are two other people visible in the background, one on the left side and another further back on the right side.
For more information on Sir Martin Archer Shee and his works, please visit /en/art/show/art-aqrrmj-en/ You can also explore other artworks by renowned artists such as Henri De Toulouse Lautrec and his painting La Macarona in Riding Habit at /art/list/?Filter=8EWHXL-Henri-De-Toulouse-Lautrec-La-Macarona-in-Riding-Habit.
The painting Peter Atkinson is a significant work of art that showcases the skill and mastery of Sir Martin Archer Shee. It is an example of oil on canvas painting, which was a popular medium during the 19th century. The painting is also a testament to the artist's ability to capture the essence of his subject, making it a valuable piece of art history.
The Brooke Robinson Museum in Dudley, United Kingdom, is another example of a museum that houses numerous artworks from renowned artists. You can learn more about the museum and its collections at /art/list/?Filter=A@D3CKNK-Discovering-the-Artworks-of-Brooke-Robinson-Museum-Dudley-United-Kingdom.
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, is also home to many famous artworks, including those by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino). You can explore more of his works and other artists at /art/list/?Filter=5ZKE8W-Raphael-(Raffaello-Sanzio-Da-Urbino)-Self-Portrait.
In conclusion, the painting Peter Atkinson by Sir Martin Archer Shee is a masterpiece that showcases the artist's skill and mastery of oil on canvas painting. Its significance lies in its ability to capture the essence of the subject, making it a valuable piece of art history.
Artist and museum
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Born in the vibrant city of Dublin on December 23rd, 1769, Sir Martin Archer Shee emerged as a pivotal figure in 19th-century British art. His journey was not simply that of a talented portraitist, but also of an administrator dedicated to shaping the artistic landscape of his time. Initially met with familial disapproval – his merchant father deemed painting an unsuitable profession for a man of their standing – young Martin’s passion proved unyielding. He began his studies at the Royal Dublin Society, laying the foundation for a career that would ultimately lead him to the heart of London's art world and the presidency of the Royal Academy. A crucial introduction by Edmund Burke in 1788 to Joshua Reynolds opened doors to the Royal Academy Schools, marking a turning point in Shee’s artistic development. Early works like “Head of an Old Man” and “Portrait of a Gentleman,” exhibited in 1789, signaled the arrival of a promising new talent, one poised to capture the essence of his era through brush and canvas.
Shee’s career blossomed steadily throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He quickly established himself as a sought-after portraitist, skillfully capturing the likenesses of prominent figures with an elegance and sensitivity that resonated deeply with his clientele. In 1798 he was elected an associate of the Royal Academy, a testament to his growing reputation, followed by full membership just two years later in 1800 – a remarkable ascent for an artist of his age. However, Shee’s ambitions extended beyond the purely artistic realm. He possessed a keen interest in the administration of the art world, believing that artists had a responsibility not only to create but also to shape the future of their discipline. This dedication culminated in his election as President of the Royal Academy in 1830, succeeding Sir Thomas Lawrence. For over two decades, he served as a powerful advocate for artists and a staunch defender of academic standards, guiding the institution through a period of significant change and ensuring its continued vitality. His presidency was characterized by stability and a commitment to fostering artistic excellence within Britain.
While celebrated primarily as a portraitist, Shee’s oeuvre extended beyond capturing individual likenesses. He ventured into historical and literary subjects, demonstrating versatility and intellectual depth. Among his most renowned works are “Belisarius” (1826), a powerful depiction of the exiled Roman general that speaks to themes of injustice and resilience; portraits of Queen Victoria and King George IV – testaments to his status as a royal painter; and paintings inspired by classical literature, revealing a deep engagement with the intellectual currents of his time. His style is characterized by a refined neoclassical sensibility, influenced by Reynolds and other masters of the era. Shee’s portraits are notable for their meticulous detail, subtle modeling, and psychological insight. He possessed an ability to convey not just physical resemblance but also something of the sitter's character and inner life. His paintings weren’t merely representations; they were interpretations, imbued with a sense of dignity and grace.
Sir Martin Archer Shee passed away on August 13th, 1850, in Brighton, leaving behind a legacy as both an accomplished artist and a dedicated administrator. He was buried in the western extension of St Nicholas’ Churchyard, though his headstone has since been moved to the perimeter of the site. His personal life was marked by a happy marriage to Mary Power, with whom he had six children – three sons who became successful barristers and three daughters. Interestingly, his descendant George Archer-Shee inspired Terence Rattigan's poignant play, “The Winslow Boy,” adding another layer to the family’s historical significance. Shee’s influence extended beyond his direct artistic output; as President of the Royal Academy, he played a crucial role in shaping the direction of British art during a period of significant change. He championed academic training while also acknowledging the importance of innovation and experimentation. His commitment to both tradition and progress helped to ensure the continued vitality of the British art scene. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections such as the Royal Academy of Arts, offering enduring glimpses into a bygone era and celebrating the talent of a remarkable artist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of beauty and the advancement of art.
Explore more works by Sir Martin Archer Shee at: https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/sir-martin-archer-shee
Discover the Royal Academy of Arts collection at: /en/art/show/art-d3cf6h-en/
Learn more about Shee’s life and works on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/martin_archer_shee
His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to both artistic excellence and institutional leadership.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/sir-martin-archer-shee-peter-atkinson-AQRRMJ-en/
Look closely
Peter Atkinson — Sir Martin Archer Shee
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
Sir Martin Archer Shee is also known as Martin Archer Shee.
The X-Ray page of "Peter Atkinson" by Sir Martin Archer Shee is an interactive viewer that lets you slide through eleven optical layers of the artwork's image, including an X-ray style view.
Works similar to "Peter Atkinson" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.