Archibald Standish Hartrick was a British painter and illustrator born on August 7, 1864, in Bangalore, India. He was one of the few artists who contributed to the visual culture of Britain across a range of mediums and subjects, from magazine illustrations to oil paintings and lithographs.
Hartrick studied art in Britain at the Slade School of Fine Art and later at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he became friends with prominent artists like Vincent van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. This exposure to European avant-garde movements, including Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, influenced his style and approach to color and form.
Throughout his career, Hartrick worked for various magazines, including 'Punch' and 'The Graphic'. His illustrations often depicted scenes of everyday life and social issues, reflecting his interest in the human condition. He was also known for his war illustrations during World War I, which captured the harsh realities of the conflict.
Hartrick was a founding member of the Senefelder Club, which was dedicated to the art of lithography, and he was an advocate for the medium throughout his life. In addition to his magazine work, he also illustrated books and created posters.
In his later years, Hartrick continued to paint, turning his attention to the Scottish landscape, which had captured his imagination. He settled in the Scottish Highlands, where he painted scenes of rural life and the natural environment.
Archibald Standish Hartrick passed away on February 1, 1950. He left behind a diverse body of work that continues to be recognized for its contribution to British art and illustration. Hartrick's works are held in various public collections, including the Tate Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.