HAYDON, BENJAMIN ROBERT

born Jan. 25, 1786, Plymouth, Devon, Eng. died June 22, 1846, London English historical painter and writer, whose superb Autobiography is perhaps as important as his painting. The son of a Plymouth bookseller, Haydon went to London to attend the Royal Academy schools. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1807, but because of subsequent quarrels most of his later paintings were shown at private exhibitions. Haydon's ambition was to become the greatest historical painter England had ever known, and he went on to produce a series of extremely large, dull canvases on such biblical and classical subjects as The Death of Dentatus (1809), The Judgment of Solomon (1814), Christ's Entry into Jerusalem (1820), and The Raising of Lazarus (1823; Tate Gallery, London). His depictions of the contemporary English scene in Mock Election (1827) and Punch or May Day (1829; Tate Gallery) show flashes of humour, however, and his portrait of Wordsworth (1842; National Portrait Gallery, London) is an original character study. Haydon's financial incompetence, violent and self-absorbed personality, and disappointed artistic ambitions finally ruined him. He was repeatedly imprisoned for debt and eventually committed suicide. His technical abilities as a painter were only mediocre. His stormy career, down to 1821, is recorded in his Autobiography (1847) and in the complete text of his Journals (published 1960). Haydon's acquaintance among literary people was extensive, and intimate glimpses of celebrated individuals enliven his writings, for he had a keen eye for character and a striking gift of phrase. As a lecturer and writer, he advocated social concepts of art that anticipated those of John Ruskin and William Morris. Haydon is also remembered for his courageous defense of the Elgin Marbles (sculptures from the Parthenon), and he was largely responsible for their acquisition in 1816. Haydon wrote the article on painting for the seventh edition of Encyclopdia Britannica.