Page:Dictionary of Artists of the English School (1878).djvu/68

 BON

BON

classic scholar, and left behind him a translation of Vitruvius, the work of nearly 20 years. He was also a writer on pro- fessional subj ects in the ' Literary Gazette/ He died in Newman Street, after a long illness, November 6, 1837.

BOND, William, engraver. His works, after Reynolds, Shee, Westall, and others, deserve especial notice. He was a governor of the Society of Engravers, founded 1803. • BONE, Henry, R.A., enamel painter. He was born at Truro, February 6, 1755, and was the son of a cabinet-maker there, who was also reputed as a clever carver. When 12 years of age he came with his family to Plymouth, and showing a dispos- ition for art, was" apprenticed in 1771 to a china manufacturer, with whom he shortly afterwards removed to Bristol, where his master established the celebrated porcelain works. His apprenticeship terminated in 1778 ; and on the failure of his master in the following year, he came to London with a few pounds lent to him by a humble friend, and found employment in enamelling watches and jewellery m the manner then fashionable. Then, fashion changing, this device painting began to fail, and he tried miniature painting in water-colour, and with higher aims in enamel. After much study of his colours and the necessary fluxes, he completed an enamel portrait of his wife, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1780, and gained much notice. Continuing to execute such device painting as offered, his thoughts were bent on enamel, and he completed 'A Muse and Cupid ' after his own design, and of a size to exceeding any hitherto executed in that material. His * Sleeping Girl,' after Sir J. Reynolds, exhibited 1794, and a portrait of Lord Eglintoun, 1797, pleased the Prince of Wales, and in 1800 he was appointed enamel painter to the Prince, who for several years was the purchaser of his best works.

Rising rapidly in public estimation, in 1801 he was elected associate of the Royal Academy, and was appointed enamel paint- er to George III. He then engaged upon several large enamels after Sir Joshua, and completed a very fine work after Lionardo da Vinci. In 1811 he was elected a royal academician, and soon after produced an enamel copy, 18 in. by 16 in., of the * Bac- chus and Ariadne ' after Titian, for which he received 2200 guineas. His industry led him to undertake a series of portraits of illustrious persons ? 85 in number, com- mencing with the reign of Elizabeth, but with little pecuniary reward ; also portraits of the Russell family from the reign of Henry VII., and of the Royalists dis- tinguished in the Civil War. Bus eye-sight failing, he retired to Soiners Town. He had brought up and educated a large

family, and was compelled to receive the Academy pension. He was greatly esteemed, yet he complained that his artist-friends neglected him in his old age. He died of paralysis, December 17, 1834, and his works were then sold, though they were far from realising their real value. He possessed the power of correct drawing and fine colour, with great richness, force, and chastity, free from the glare and china- looking surface of enamel.

BONE, Henry Pierce, enamel painter. Son of Henry Bone, R.A. Born November 6, 1779. Was brought up under his father and assisted him. He also practised in oil, and first exhibited at the Academy in 1799, his early works being portraits in that medium. In 1806 he exhibited two classic subjects, and continued, with an occasional portrait, to paint from sacred and profane history, the poets and dramatists, till 1833. when he commenced enamel painting ; ana from that year to 1855 — the last year he exhibited — his works were exclusively in enamel, comprising portraits from the life after contemporary painters and the old masters, with one or two subject pictures, also in enamel. He was enamel painter to Queen Adelaide and to the Queen and Prince Consort. He died in London, Oc- tober 21, 1855.

BONE, Robert Trewiok, subject paint- er. Bom in London, September 24, 1790. Son of Henry Bone, R.A. Was taught by him, and for the first* 20 years of ms art career lived in his house. He exhibited at the Academy, in 1813, 'A Nymph and Cupid ; ' in 1815, a portrait of his sister ; ana at the British Institution, in 1817, for which the directors awarded him a premium of 1001. He continued to con- tribute to the exhibitions at the Academy, and also at the British Institution, classic and sacred subjects, with occasionally a portrait, and later in his career some domestic subjects ; but gradually falling off in his contributions, he ceased to ex- hibit after 1838. He died from the effects of a hurt, May 5, 1840. His works were small in size, tasty and clever in compos- ition, broad and sparkling in effect, the landscape accessories and costume pleasing ; but his art did not find the encouragement it merited. He was a member of the Sketching Club. » n „
 * A Lady with her Attendants at the Bath/

- BONINGTON, Richard Parkes, land- 7O0U**- scape and subject painter. Born October 25, 1801, at Arnold, a village near Notting- ham. His grandfather was the governor of the gaol of that county, and was succeeded by his father, who lost the appointment through his irregularities, and then practised as a portrait painter, and published a few prints of little merit in aqua-tint, while his wife kept a school.

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