Arthur William Devis Enter a
feeling, not
a gallery.
Choose a mood and the room itself answers — the light cools or warms, the air changes pace, and only the works that carry that feeling step forward from the dark. Everything else recedes into shadow.
Arthur William Devis
A Life of Portraiture and History Arthur William Devis was an English painter of history paintings and portraits. Born in London, he was the son of the artist Arthur Devis and Elizabeth Faulkner. He entered the Royal Academy Schools as a pupil in 1774, following his elder brother, Thomas Anthony Devis. His early career brought him to the notice of Sir Joshua Reynolds. In 1783, he served as a draughtsman on the British East India Compan
y's packet Antelope during a voyage that included stops in the Pelew Islands, Canton, and Bengal. During this time, he sustained arrow wounds, including one that caused permanent injury to his lower jaw. While in Bengal, he painted a portrait of Sir William Jones, which is currently held at the British Library. Notable Works and Legacy Devis is recognized for his involvement in the creation of the posthumous cult of Horatio Nelson.…