Francis Danby

Happy Birthday Francis Danby!! The Irish landscape painter of the Romantic period was born in 1793, known for his dramatic style. He was born in southern Ireland, moved with his family to Dublin following his father’s death. He and two other young artists went to London seeking success, but soon left and ended up in Bristol. There he had some success with watercolors, so remained there for a while, developing his style. He worked with a group of artists called the Bristol School, sketching and painting together in the evenings. He eventually returned to London, became a member of the Royal Academy, showing his large oil paintings. Both of Danby’s sons went on to become painters as well. The painting below is titled The Deluge and is a great example of the Romantic style.