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| Self-portrait (1848) |
James Ward was an English painter and engraver; born in London in 1769. At the age of 12 he was apprenticed to J. Raphael Smith, and later he studied engraving under his brother. His first painting was exhibited in 1790. The vigorous style and strong color clearly showed his brother's influence. Ward's work developed a more individual character and received great recognition. He was elected to the Academy in 1811 and was appointed official painter to the Prince of Wales. His self-portrait, executed when he was 79 years old, is one of his most famous works. James Ward died in 1859.
