Stanhope Alexander Forbes, RA (1857-1947), was a British artist who is best known for his depictions of rural life and landscape, particularly scenes of fishermen and their families in the coastal villages of Cornwall, England. He was a prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists, which emerged in the late 19th century and focused on portraying the lives of working-class people.
Forbes was born on November 18, 1857, in Dublin, Ireland. He studied at the Lambeth School of Art in London and later at the Royal Academy Schools. After completing his studies, he travelled extensively in Europe and settled in the artist colony of Newlyn in Cornwall in 1884. It was there that he found inspiration for his most significant works.
The subject matter of Forbes' paintings often revolved around the hardships and daily lives of fishermen and their families, capturing the working conditions, emotions, and struggles they faced. His paintings were characterized by their realistic and detailed portrayal, capturing the essence of the people and their surroundings.
Forbes' artistic style was influenced by the French Realist movement and the plein air (outdoor) painting techniques. He employed a muted colour palette and focused on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his compositions. Forbes' works often conveyed a sense of nostalgia and empathy for the lives of the working class, reflecting the social concerns of the time.
In 1889, Forbes co-founded the Newlyn Art Gallery and played a significant role in fostering the artistic community in the area. He exhibited extensively throughout his career, both in Britain and internationally, and received recognition for his work. In 1899, he was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy (ARA), and in 1910, he became a Royal Academician (RA).
Stanhope Alexander Forbes continued to paint and exhibit his works until his death on March 2, 1947, in Newlyn, Cornwall. His contributions to the art world and his dedication to capturing the lives of the working class in his paintings have solidified his place as one of the prominent figures of the Newlyn School and British art history. Today, his works can be found in various museums and galleries across the world, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Royal Cornwall Museum.