[Study by Henry Perronet Briggs, after de Gheyn, of a fusilier with a rest holding a musket over his shoulder]

 

c.1825

Pen and ink wash with white highlights on paper

 

National Gallery of Ireland

CSIA

 

 

Henry Perronet Briggs, artist and antiquarian, was born at Walworth, London. He enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools in 1811 but entered Cambridge two years later, where he painted a number of portraits. He exhibited many times at the Royal Academy, concentrating increasingly on historical and Shakespearian scenes. In 1827, his large painting George III presenting the Sword to Earl Howe on Board the Queen Charlotte, was purchased by the directors of the British Institution, who subsuquently donated it to the Greenwich Hospital. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1825. He could count among his friends and professional collaborators Edwin Landseer. He married a relative, Elizabeth Alderson (d. c.1840) on 7 August 1830, and two years later, on the death of Northcote, was elected a full member of the Royal Academy. He contracted tuberculosis, from which his wife had died, and died himself just two days after making his will, on 16 January 1844. He was survived by his son Henry, and daughter Elizabeth Amelia. His collection of prints and drawings and other art related items were sold by Christie and Manson's between 25 and 27 April 1844.