S. T. Dadd Paintings

S. T. Dadd is not a widely recognized artist in historical records. However, it is possible that you are referring to the British artist Richard Dadd, who was born in 1817 and died in 1886. Richard Dadd was a Victorian-era painter known for his detailed and whimsical paintings with fairy and supernatural themes. He was born in Chatham, Kent, England, and showed promise in the arts from a young age, enrolling at the Royal Academy of Arts at the age of 20. His early works were well received, and he was considered a rising star in the art world.

Dadd's life took a tragic turn in 1843 when he underwent a dramatic change in behavior after a tour of the Middle East, which led to the onset of a psychotic illness. In a delusional state, he killed his father, believing him to be the devil in disguise. After the murder, Dadd fled to France but was eventually apprehended and returned to England. He was declared criminally insane and was committed to Bethlem Psychiatric Hospital, known colloquially as Bedlam.

While institutionalized, Dadd continued to paint, creating some of his most famous works, such as 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke,' which he worked on for nine years. His paintings from this period are characterized by their intricate detail and rich subject matter, often drawn from literary and mythological sources. Despite his confinement, Dadd's talent was recognized, and his works were exhibited and sold.

Richard Dadd spent the rest of his life in psychiatric hospitals, and his mental health remained unstable. He was later transferred to Broadmoor Hospital, where he died in 1886. Although Dadd's life was marked by tragedy and his artistic career was cut short by his illness, his work continues to be celebrated for its originality and craft. His paintings are held in several prestigious collections, including the Tate Gallery in London.