A superb portrait painting of a woman sat next to a woodland pool by Thomas Edward Roberts. A young blonde haired woman is posed reclining on a boulder with her head cast slightly downwards. The subject wears a fine pink dress over a white silk under skirt, with a fringed lace shawl draped around her shoulders. Strings of pearls can be seen on her wrists and around the top of an elaborate half up and half down coiffure. In her right hand she holds a feather fan whilst her left hand clasps the end of a necklace. By her feet, the edge of a pool can be seen bordered by a woodland glen.

Thomas Roberts was born Thomas Edward David Roberts at Grove Street, St Pancras on 14 August, 1820 to Thomas and Sarah Roberts (née Kelly). His father was a schoolmaster and most likely helped teach his children art. Both Thomas and his brother Frederick Angelo Roberts (1825-1881) showed an artistic talent from a young age and later found work as engravers. By 1841, the family had moved to Park Street, St Pancras.

On 9 November, 1843 Thomas married Elizabeth Walsh Couch and the couple lived at 26 St Paul’s Terrace, Camden Town. Their oldest son Edwin Thomas Roberts (1845-1917) also become an artist. By 1845, he had begun specialising in historical works and genre scenes and had stepped away from engravings to paint in oils and watercolours. He made his debut at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1850, becoming a member in 1855. Around the early 1850’s the couple moved to 14a Clarence Road in Camden Town from where he began exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1851. As well as exhibiting in England, Roberts also exhibited abroad in Paris.

His wife died in 1852 at the age of only 38 and he went to live with his widowed mother, most likely to help with his young children. By 1870, he had moved to 28 Carlton Road in Kentish Town, where he spent the next 12 or so years. In 1872, he married Elizabeth Hannan and their son Angelo Leighton Roberts (1873-1853) became an illustrator. In 1882, he moved from Carlton Road to Tuffnell Park Road, Islington where he spent the rest of his life. Roberts is believed to have died around 1901.

© Benton Fine Art