George Barret, Junior (1767-1842)

One of the most gifted watercolour landscape painters of the "English School", George Barret junior was the son of the Irish artist George Barret Senior RA (1732-1784).

Born in London, and absorbing both drawing and painting from his father during his teenage years, George Barret junior was only seventeen when his father died. As a result, he and his siblings were left to support themselves. Four, including himself, took to painting. Although he was by far the most gifted, his life became a long struggle for financial survival.

Storm Coast Scene, Isle of Wight

George Barret showed his landscape painting at the Royal Academy in London from 1800-1803, before becoming a foundation member of the Old Watercolour Society of Painters in 1804, where his paintings were shown continuously for 38 years. He espoused the art style of Romanticism, although whether this was at the instigation of his patrons, is unclear.

Landscape with a Bridge

His earlier artworks were scenes of the southern Counties of England, interspersed with an occasional Welsh landscape, but soon he turned to general "Claudian-type" compositions depicting romantic sunrises and sunsets. In the opinion of several art experts, some of his watercolours remain unequalled in their representation of bright sunlight and other atmospheric effects.

More Information About Visual Arts in Ireland

• For details of other landscape painters, see: Irish Artists: Paintings and Biographies.
• For more about 19th century art in Ireland, see: Irish Art Guide.

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