William Home Lizars Paintings

William Home Lizars was a Scottish painter and engraver, born in Edinburgh in 1788. He was one of the eleven children of Daniel Lizars, a publisher and printer. William showed an early interest in art, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, who were also involved in printing and engraving. Lizars apprenticed under his father and later attended the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh, where he honed his skills in painting and engraving.

Lizars is perhaps best known for his work in engraving, especially his contributions to the field of natural history illustration. In the early 19th century, he collaborated with the famous naturalist John James Audubon, engraving plates for Audubon's seminal work, 'The Birds of America'. However, the collaboration between Lizars and Audubon was not without its challenges, and after completing ten plates, Lizars had to pass the project to the Havell family in London, due to technical and financial difficulties.

Aside from his work with Audubon, Lizars was highly regarded for his own projects. He produced a significant body of work, including portraits, landscapes, and satirical prints. His engravings were known for their precision and attention to detail, traits that made him a sought-after engraver in Scotland and beyond. Lizars also ventured into publishing, continuing his family's legacy, and contributed to the advancement of printing technology in Scotland.

Despite his professional successes, William Home Lizars is not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries. However, his contributions to engraving and natural history illustration have left a lasting legacy in the art world. He passed away in Edinburgh in 1859, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors alike.