Thomas Middleton is not a widely recognized name in the annals of art history, and confusion can arise as there are multiple individuals with similar names from different time periods, including the English playwright Thomas Middleton from the 16th and 17th centuries. Regarding an artist by this name, detailed biographical information is scarce, and he does not appear to be a major figure in art historical discourse. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there may not be enough information about an artist named Thomas Middleton born in 1823 and died in 1886 to provide a comprehensive biography.
However, it is not uncommon for lesser-known or regional artists to have lived and worked during the 19th century, contributing to local art scenes or specialized crafts. If Thomas Middleton was indeed a 19th-century artist, he would have been a contemporary to the Victorian era in Britain, a time known for its diverse range of artistic styles and movements such as Romanticism, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and the beginnings of impressionism.
Without more specific details, it is challenging to provide an accurate biography of such an artist. It is possible that he may have produced work that was appreciated in local circles or that has not been widely studied or survived to the present. It's also possible that records of his work and life may be found in local historical societies, archives, or in the provenance of specific artworks attributed to him.
For a detailed biography of Thomas Middleton, the artist, more specific information would be required, including the region or country in which he worked, the medium or style he was known for, and any notable works or contributions to the art world during his lifetime. Without these details, any biography would be speculative at best.