Lance Calkin Paintings


Lance Calkin was a British painter known for his portraits and historical scenes. Born in London on November 25, 1859, he was the son of the notable architect George Calkin. He demonstrated an early interest in art and pursued his education at the Royal Academy Schools, where he began to develop his skills and gained recognition for his work.

Calkin's career as an artist was marked by his focus on portraiture, and he became well-regarded for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects. His paintings were often characterized by a strong use of light and shadow, as well as a realistic representation of his figures.

He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from the early 1880s and also showed his works at other prominent venues such as the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Calkin's portraits often featured prominent individuals of his time, and his commissions included military figures, politicians, and members of the aristocracy.

Beyond portraiture, Calkin also explored historical and allegorical themes in his paintings. Some of his works were inspired by literature and mythology, and he was known to incorporate a narrative element into his compositions.

Despite his success as a portraitist, Lance Calkin did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. However, his contributions to British art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were significant, as he helped to maintain the tradition of classical portraiture during a period of considerable change in the art world.

Lance Calkin passed away on December 18, 1936. While he may not be as widely remembered as some of his peers, his works continue to be appreciated by those who value traditional portrait painting, and his paintings can be found in private collections as well as public institutions.