Reuben Hunt was born in Fulham on 6 August 1857, the son of the artist Charles Hunt (1829-1900) and Ann Sarah Kilbee. His grandfather was Charles Hunt Snr (1803-1877) and his brothers were Edgar Hunt (1876-1955), Walter Hunt (1861-1941), and Claude Hunt (1863-1949) who also became artists. His father Charles tutored all his children and his influence can be seen in their style and subject matter. Like his father, Reuben specialised in painting highly detailed humorous scenes often featuring children at play with animals.

He does not appear to have married and lived in Fulham and later Granville Road in Wandsworth with his mother and father. Given the nature of the household and their similarities in style it is highly likely that he would have worked closely with his father and may well have collaborated on some of their works. After the death of his parents, he remained there with his brother Walter. He died at Stephens Hospital, Chelsea on 12 March 1938.

Examples of his work can be found at the Whitaker Art Gallery, Rossendale.