Charles Philips
Epithet: Artist (1703-1747)
Record type: Biographies
Biography: Charles Philips was an English portrait artist born in 1708, the son of Richard Philips, who was also skilled in portraiture. Philips had a relatively short life and career, but proved popular with the nobility, who would commission the artist for their portraits. Following the example set by fellow painters of small-scale conversation pieces such as Philippe Mercier and William Hogarth, Philips moved into the more lucrative field of portrait painting in the latter part of the decade. In 1737 he reached the height of his career when he painted the Prince and Princess of Wales in a pair of full-length portraits. The Prince of Wales was a well-known patron of the arts and especially of immigrant artists. This included Jacopo Amigoni and Mercier, principal influences on Philips. Philips also provided portraits for the likes of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough; and Charles Seymore, 6th Duke of Somerset. Philips also had links to the Isle of Man, as Thomas Wilson, Bishop of Sodor, and Man, was also painted by the artist.
Occupation / profession: Artist
Gender: Male
Date of birth: 1708
Date of death: 1747