Samuel Howitt

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Samuel Howitt (1756-1822) was an artist from England.

[edit] History

Samuel Howitt was born into a wealthy Quaker family in Nottinghamshire, England. He began painting as a hobby and to amuse his friends. Hunting and racing were his hobbies and he mimicked this interest in his work. Howitt's family experienced financial difficulties, so Howitt decided to move to London [1].

[edit] Career

"Battle of the Bulldog and the Monkey"by Samuel HowittEngraving, published 1799
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"Battle of the Bulldog and the Monkey"
by Samuel Howitt
Engraving, published 1799

In London, Howitt made a career out of his talent, flourishing as a professional artist. He was published often in The Sporting Magazine and went on to illustrate various books. Howitt is best known for his lively and exotic sporting scenes.

His superior watercolors and aquatints depict dramatic racing and hunting scenes as well as an array of conventional and exotic animals.

[edit] Works

Howitt's work is included in the Mellon Collection, which possesses no fewer than 160 of his watercolors, and many of his aquatints. Howitt exhibited at the Royal Academy and illustrated several books, including his own entitled The British Sportsman c.1812 and British Preserve c.1824.