Thomas Webster (British, 1800-1886)

Oil on canvas laid to panel, signed and dated “1838.”

Painting: 10” x 9”
Frame: 16” x 15”

Born into the household of King George III, Webster was initially influenced by his father to become a musician. As a youth, he sang with the Chapel Royal Choir. The death of the King was a changing point in his life marked by his departure from music in favor of the pursuit of painting. He began his training at the Royal Academy, where by 1846 he became an instructor. Initially, he chose to paint portraits. However, his first major success was a genre painting of children. From thenceforth, his work was dedicated almost exclusively to that subject matter. He retired in 1876 and moved to Cranbrook in Kent. Cranbrook became known as a summer artists colony with Webster a senior member. He remained there until his death in 1886. .

In Woman at Prayer, Webster’s talent as sensitive portraitist comes to the fore as he depicts a mature woman who, with clasped hands and a downward gaze, conveys a quiet strength and equanimity derived perhaps from her faith.