Archibald Samuel Henning Paintings

Archibald Samuel Henning was a British artist born in 1825, best known for his work as a caricaturist. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Henning contributed notably to the genre of satirical illustration in the mid-19th century, a period that was ripe with political and social commentary through visual art.

Henning's work often appeared in periodicals and illustrated papers of the time, such as 'Punch', a magazine famous for its wit and satire. 'Punch' played a significant role in the development of the political cartoon and satirical sketch in the United Kingdom, and Henning was among the artists who helped define the magazine's distinctive style. His style was characterized by its sharp wit and ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a few well-placed lines and details.

Despite the popularity of his work during his lifetime, Henning's name has not endured as prominently in the history of art as some of his peers. Information about his personal life and training is relatively scarce, and much of what we know about Henning comes from his surviving works and his association with 'Punch'. His contributions to the magazine and the field of caricature remain, however, an important part of the Victorian era's rich tapestry of satirical art.

Henning passed away in 1893, leaving behind a legacy that, while somewhat overshadowed by other luminaries of the time, is appreciated by aficionados of 19th-century British caricature. His works continue to be studied by those interested in the period's political and social history, as they provide a visual commentary on the issues and personalities of the day.