The Artist
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Portrait of Henry Nelson O'Neil |
Born in St. Petersburg, Russia to British parents, O'Neil came to England when he was 6 years old. He studied art at the Royal Academy schools from 1836.
He was a founder member of 'The Clique', a group of young artists, based in St John's Wood, London. In the late 1830's they were dissatisfied with the restrictions of the Royal Academy and wanted to bring a new realism and emotional intensity to their work. Fellow 'Clique' members included William Powell Frith, Augustus Egg, John Phillip and Richard Dadd.
After the Clique's break-up, O'Neil stayed true to the group's ideals and continued to paint highly emotional scenes. The success of Eastward Ho! was the pinnacle of his career. By the time it was shown at the International Exhibition in London two years later it had become a modern icon.
O'Neil exhibited over 90 paintings at the Royal Academy between 1838 and 1879, and was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1860. None of O'Neil's later works achieved Eastward Ho! success and alongside painting he pursued literary and musical interests. In his Times obituary, his friend, the writer Anthony Trollope describes him as "one who was simple, just, and affectionate as a child". O'Neil is buried at Kensal Green cemetery, London.
Other works by O'Neil in UK public collections
The Parting Cheer (1861), National Maritime Museum, London
www.nmm.ac.uk
Home Again (1858), National Army Museum, London
www.national-army-museum.ac.uk (a smaller version of the Museum of London's painting)
Landing of the HRH The Princess Alexandra (1864), National Portrait Gallery, London
www.npg.org.uk