Edward Matthew Ward (1816-1879) was a prolific historical painter of the Victorian era. Very much against the emerging Pre-Raphaelite movement, E.M. Ward declared the works of the “brotherhood” to be “un-British” and preferred to continue to paint in the style of epic historical painters such as Hogarth. His steady “British-ness” made him extremely popular with the crown and government and he was often commissioned to do paintings for Parliament.
Ward was married to
Henrietta Ward (maiden name and married name were both “Ward,” but they were unrelated), a skilled painter in her own right. Together, they associated with some of the most notable names of the era including Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. Henrietta was a celebrated art teacher in addition to her other work. Her intimate friendship with Queen Victoria led her to be the tutor appointed to teach the Royal children how to draw.
Leslie Ward, the son of E.M. and Henrietta, went on to be a well-respected caricaturist for Vanity Fair, under the name “Spy.”
Many of E.M. Ward’s paintings were recreated as engravings so that they could be included in books and presented as wall hangings which could be enjoyed by everyday people. This engraving shows Ward’s signature style. Like his wife, he filled every inch of a composition with complicated figures, detailed scenery and theatrical costumes. The result is always a painting which is full of life and serves to give one a heightened sense of a historical scene.
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