Thomas Brooks (1818-1891)

Oil on cnavas
Signed and dated T.Brooks 1859
38 inches (h) x 46 inches (w) Thomas Brooks' paintings were first inspired by the Raphaelesque painting, due to his studies at the Royal Academy of Arts and its founder Joshua Reynolds. Over time, Brooks style of painting was characterized more and more by modern approaches, parallel to the development of Victorian painting, which was influenced by the reign of Queen Victoria and the accompanying rapid economic development. Thus the middle class was increasingly interested in acquiring art and having his worlddepicted in the paintings. Therefore, the initial idealization in Brooks works made way for an increasing love for details.
Who was Thomas Brooks? Thomas Brooks (1818-1891) Thomas Brooks studied in London at the Sass'Art School and at the Royal Academy of Arts funder Henry Perronet Briggs as of 1838. In addition, he sojourned in Paris during his studies. In 1848 he settled in London. Brooks painted mainly dramatic seascapes, genrescenes, and portraits. Beginning in 1859, he presented his works at the Royal Academy, the British Institution, and the Royal Society of British Artists.