James Roberts

JAMES ROBERTS (England, 1753–1831).
"Descent from Montvert," 1831.
Watercolor on paper.
Signed and dated.
Measurements: 20 x 29.5 cm, 29.5 x 39.5 cm (frame).

James Roberts was an English painter active during the second half of the 18th century. He is known primarily for his portraits, although he also painted landscapes and miniatures. He was the son of a landscape engraver, also named James Roberts.

He began exhibiting his works at the Royal Academy of Arts between 1773 and 1784. During those years, he produced an important series of watercolors featuring portraits of actors for the Bell’s British Theatre collection.

He later worked in Oxford as a drawing instructor. There, he painted portraits of various prominent figures and collaborated on artistic projects involving sculpture and stage design. He also worked as a set painter at Blenheim Palace.

Around 1795, he was appointed portrait painter to Prince William, Duke of Clarence, who would later become King William IV. He returned to exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy until 1799. Many of his works are currently housed in the National Portrait Gallery.