Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Branwhite, Nathan

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351796Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 06 — Branwhite, Nathan1886Thompson Cooper

BRANWHITE, NATHAN (fl. 1825), miniature painter and engraver, eldest son of Peregrine Branwhite, the minor poet [q. v.], was probably a native of Lakenham in Suffolk. Devoting himself to the study of art, he became a pupil of Isaac Taylor's, and settled at No. 1 College Green, Bristol, where he practised painting with considerable success. He exhibited thirteen miniatures at the Royal Academy between the years 1802 and 1825. He was also a very good stipple engraver. Branwhite made an excellent engraving of Medley's picture of the Medical Society of London. A curious fact about this work was that Jenner came into great notice during the painting of the picture, and after it was finished it was decided to add his portrait. The plate was partially engraved before the decision to put him in was arrived at, and a piece of copper had to be let in, as background details had been worked over the spot upon which Jenner's head and shoulders were subsequently placed.

[MS. Addit. 19166, f. 234; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists (1878), 52; Graves's Dict. of Artists, 29.]

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