John, Henning Snr. Paintings

John Henning Senior was a Scottish sculptor renowned for his works in the neoclassical style. Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on 1 January 1771, Henning initially started his professional life as a snuffbox maker, which was a common trade in his hometown. However, his artistic talents would soon lead him on a different path.

In the early stages of his career, Henning moved to Glasgow, where he began to focus more on his interest in the arts, particularly drawing and modeling. His pursuits would eventually lead him to Edinburgh in 1800, where he became part of a burgeoning artistic community. It was in Edinburgh that Henning's sculptural career truly began to flourish. He gained a reputation for his refined bas-reliefs and medallion portraits, which were in vogue at the time due to the neoclassical trend that emphasized ancient Greek and Roman aesthetic principles.

Henning is perhaps best known for his work on the Parthenon Marbles, which were brought to Britain by Lord Elgin. He produced a series of meticulous copies of the marbles, which were highly regarded for their precision and attention to detail. These copies were instrumental in popularizing the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome in Britain. Henning's work earned him numerous commissions, including producing models for coinage and medallions for the Royal Mint, further cementing his reputation.

He also created a number of notable architectural sculptures and reliefs, including work for the Royal Institution of Edinburgh. His legacy continued through his son, John Henning Junior, who also became a sculptor. Despite his success, Henning struggled financially throughout his life and died in poverty on 1 December 1851 in London. His works, however, have left a lasting impression on the history of British sculpture, and he is remembered for his contributions to the neoclassical movement and the dissemination of classical art in the early 19th century.