Charles Robertson

Irish, 1759-1821

BiographyIrish minaturist. In 1772, 1773 and 1774 "Master Charles Robertson" exhibited "Likenesses and Designs in Hair," and in 1775 "Miniatures." Up to this time he had been living with his brother. He moved to London and exhibited two miniatures at the Royal Academy in 1790. He was back in Dublin in 1793, and there passed the rest of his life. He was a contributor of miniatures and flower pieces to the Dublin Exhibitions in 1800, 1801 and 1802; and miniatures and small portraits in water-colour from 1811 to 1821. He visited London in 1806, and exhibited two miniatures in the Academy, his address being given in the catalogue as "Charles Robertson from Dublin, 93 New Bond Street." He also exhibited in 1808.

Robertson was Secretary to the Hibernian Society of Artists, and in 1814 Vice-President, and he was also one of the Committee of Artists who for several years struggled for a charter of incorporation, but he did not live to see the successful result of his labors in the establishment of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1823. He died in his house in Holles Street on the 10th of November, 1821, aged 62.

Robertson's miniatures, especially his female portraits, are of much merit and are among the best produced by Irish artists. They are unsigned, and it is probable that many have been sold under other and better known names

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