Henry William Pickersgill was a notable British portrait painter born on December 3, 1749, in London. While you mentioned 'Richard Pickersgill', it appears there may have been a confusion with names, as Henry William Pickersgill is a well-documented artist from that era. He had a successful career as a portraitist, painting many distinguished figures of his time.
Pickersgill studied at the Royal Academy Schools from 1805, where he was influenced by the works of old masters as well as his contemporaries. He exhibited at the Royal Academy for the first time in 1806 and would continue to do so throughout his career. His works were also shown at the British Institution and the Society of British Artists.
Pickersgill's portraits were known for their detailed rendering and the dignified portrayal of his subjects, which included literary figures, politicians, and royalty. He was commissioned to paint various public figures, and his portraits are characterized by their clarity and attention to the texture of fabrics and other details. In 1820, he became an Associate of the Royal Academy and was made a full Royal Academician in 1826.
He became a respected member of the artistic community and contributed to the development of portrait painting in Britain. Pickersgill's legacy includes a significant body of work that provides an important insight into the social and cultural fabric of the 19th century in Britain. He died on April 21, 1820, leaving behind a rich collection of portraits that continue to be studied and admired for their historical and artistic value.