Thomas Hudson (painter)

Thomas Hudson (1701 – 1779) was an English painter, almost exclusively of portraits.

For other people named Thomas Hudson, see Thomas Hudson (disambiguation).

Thomas Hudson
Thomas Hudson
Born1701
Bideford, Devon
Died1779 (aged 77/78)
Twickenham, London
OccupationEnglish portrait painter

Life
Example of Hudson's art: Portrait of John Byng, 1749
George Frideric Handel painted in 1749 by Thomas Hudson

Hudson was born in Devon in 1701.[1] His exact birthplace is unknown. He studied under Jonathan Richardson[2] in London and against his wishes, married Richardson's daughter at some point before 1725.

Hudson was most prolific between 1740 and 1760 and, from 1745 until 1755 was the most successful London portraitist. He had many assistants, and employed the specialist drapery painter Joseph Van Aken.[1] Joshua Reynolds, Joseph Wright and the drapery painter Peter Toms[3] were his students.

Hudson visited the Low Countries in 1748 and Italy in 1752.[1] In 1753 he bought a house at Cross Deep, Twickenham, just upstream from Pope's Villa.[4] He retired toward the end of the 1750s. William Hickey described the elderly Hudson, "His figure was rather grotesque, being uncommonly low in stature, with a prodigious belly, and constantly wearing a large white bushy periwig. He was remarkably good tempered, and one of my first-rate favourites, notwithstanding that he often told me I should certainly be hanged.".[4][5] He died at Twickenham in 1779. His extensive private art collection was sold off in three separate sales.

Many of Hudson's works may be seen in art galleries throughout the United Kingdom. They include the National Portrait Gallery,[2] the National Maritime Museum, Tate, Barnstaple Guildhall, Foundling Museum and the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.

Death

Hudson died in 1779, aged 77 or 78.

References
  1. Manners and Morals: Hogarth and British Painting1700–1760 (Exhibition catalogue). London: Tate Gallery. 1987. p. 244.
  2. Jonathon Richardson, London - National Portrait Gallery, accessed January 2010
  3. Hodgson, J. E.; Eaton, Frederick A. (1905). The Royal Academy and its Members 1768-1830. London: John Murray.
  4. "William Hickey and Thomas Hudson". Twickenham Museum. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  5. Quennel, Peter, (ed) The Prodigal Rake: Memoirs of William Hickey.
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