Benjamin Haydon
Benjamin Haydon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Benjamin Robert Haydon was a British artist, writer, and historian, commonly known as B.R. Haydon.
Birth and Death Dates
Benjamin Haydon was born on April 26, 1786, in Bideford, Devonshire, England. He passed away on June 22, 1846, at the age of 60.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Haydon was a British citizen by birth and profession, operating as both an artist and writer throughout his life.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Haydon's early life was marked by a strong interest in art. His mother, who had a keen eye for aesthetics, encouraged his artistic inclinations from a young age. He received formal training in painting under the guidance of John Raphael Smith, a well-known portrait artist of the time.
Major Accomplishments
Haydon's artistic career spanned over four decades and was marked by numerous notable achievements. One of his most significant accomplishments includes his work as an official painter to King George IV, for which he earned recognition within British art circles.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Haydon's most notable works include "The Trial of Queen Caroline" (1820), a painting that captured the public's attention with its dramatic depiction of the queen's trial. Additionally, his contributions to the development of British art during this period were significant, as he played an important role in advocating for greater exposure and appreciation of contemporary artists' works.
Impact and Legacy
Haydon's impact on the world of art extends beyond his own creative output. As an advocate for the rights of artists, he fought tirelessly against censorship and championed the cause of artistic freedom. His legacy can be seen in the numerous artists who followed in his footsteps, continuing to push boundaries and challenge conventions within their respective fields.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Benjamin Haydon's quotes are often cited due to his unique perspective on art, politics, and society during a time of great change. His experiences as an artist and historian offer valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of life in early 19th-century England.
One notable aspect of Haydon's career was his involvement with "The Life of George Romney," a book he penned about the renowned portrait painter. This endeavor, published posthumously in 1852, remains an important historical record of artistic developments during this period.
Haydon's thoughts on art and creativity continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers today. His quotes often touch on themes of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of artistic expression as a means of reflecting and shaping society.
Quotes by Benjamin Haydon
Benjamin Haydon's insights on:
Mistrusts sometimes come over one’s mind of the justice of God. But let a real misery come again, and to whom do we fly? To whom do we instinctively and immediately look up?
All government is an evil, but, of the two form’s of that evil, democracy or monarchy, the sounder is monarchy; the more able to do its will, democracy.
Do your duty, and don’t swerve from it. Do that which your conscience tells you to be right, and leave the consequences to God.
This is an age of intellectual sauces, of essence, of distillation. We have "conclusions" without deductions, "abridgments of history" and "abridgments of science" without leading facts.
All government is an evil, but, of the two form's of that evil, democracy or monarchy, the sounder is monarchy; the more able to do its will, democracy.
The great difficulty is first to win a reputation; the next to keep it while you live; and the next to preserve it after you die, when affection and interest are over, and nothing but sterling excellence can preserve your name. Never suffer youth to be an excuse for inadequacy, nor age and fame to be an excuse for indolence.
Never suffer youth to be an excuse for inadequacy, nor age and fame to be an excuse for indolence.
Never disregard what your enemies say. They may be severe, they may be prejudiced, they may be determined to see only in one direction, but still in that direction see clearly. They do not speak all the truth, but they generally speak the truth from one point of view; so far as that goes, attend to them.
Mistrusts sometimes come over one's mind of the justice of God. But let a real misery come again, and to whom do we fly? To whom do we instinctively and immediately look up?