1820-1902

From The Art of Shakespeare

Long considered to be one of the foremost nineteenth century Scotish painters, John Faed's meticulously crafted and highly detailed paintings generally depict either Shakespearean subjects or illustrate passages of Scottish poetry... [T]he illustrations of literary, poetic or theatrical themes achieved its greatest popularity among the painters of the late nineteenth century.

Faed's commercial success and the professional esteem he achieved during his long career are somewhat remarkable due to the fact that he was primarily a self-taught artist. Born in Burley Mills, Scotland in 1820, Faed was attracted to the arts during childhood... After settling in Edinburgh Faed finally studied at the Trustee's Academy and later worked with the Scottish history and genre painter, Sir William Ellen (1782-1850). He was also tremendously influenced by the talented late eighteenth century genre painter, David Wilkie (1785-1841). 

Once established in Edinburgh, Faed began to achieve a measure of professional success with his genre and literary themes. In 1841 he began exhibiting at the Royal Scottish Academy, and he was elected to full membership ten years later.

in 1864, Faed left Edinburgh for London... While in London, Faed exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists. His works, which catered to the later nineteenth century penchant for literary illustration, were extremely popular. John Anderson My Jo, Sir Walter Scott and His Literary Friends and The Poet's Dream are among Faed's may accomplished works with literary themes. During his later years Faed retired to the peace and serentiy of his native Scottish village, Burley Mills, where he died on October 20th, 1902.