Edwin Long Meadows Paintings

Edwin Longsden Long RA, known as Edwin Long, was an English genre, history, and portrait painter. Born on July 12, 1829, in Bath, Somerset, England, Long was the son of a hairdresser and milliner. He displayed an early interest in art and initially sought to become an architect. However, his passion for painting eventually led him to pursue a career as an artist. He studied at the Bath School of Design and later moved to London, where he continued his education at the Royal Academy Schools.

Long's early work consisted mostly of genre scenes and portraits. However, after a trip to Spain and Egypt in the early 1870s, his style and subject matter shifted significantly. He became fascinated with Orientalism and the depiction of Middle Eastern culture. This trip had a profound impact on his work, leading to a series of paintings that reflected his interpretation of ancient Egyptian life and customs.

Among Long's most famous works are 'The Babylonian Marriage Market' and 'An Egyptian Feast.' These paintings showcased his meticulous attention to detail, vibrant color palette, and ability to convey the grandeur and exoticism of ancient civilizations. His works were well-received, and he gained considerable popularity and success during his lifetime. Long was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA) in 1870 and became a Royal Academician (RA) in 1881.

Long was also active in the art community, supporting various art institutions and initiatives. Despite his success, Long was not without his critics, some of whom considered his work to be too focused on historical accuracy rather than artistic innovation.

He continued to paint and exhibit his work until his death on May 15, 1891, in Hampstead, London. Long's legacy as an artist remains tied to his evocative portrayals of historical and exotic subjects, which continue to be of interest to art historians and collectors.