Samuel Howitt

Samuel Howitt (1756/57–1822) was an English painter, illustrator, and etcher known for his depictions of animals, hunting, horse-racing, and landscapes. He worked in oils and watercolors, creating dynamic and spirited scenes. Born into a Quaker family in Nottinghamshire, Howitt initially lived in Chigwell, Essex, where he pursued field sports. However, financial troubles pushed him to take up art professionally, a talent he had previously explored only as an amateur.

Howitt’s artistic career saw him exhibit works at institutions like the Royal Academy, with his first showings in the 1780s. He became a sought-after illustrator, particularly in sporting and natural history subjects. His works were praised for their accuracy and attention to detail, whether drawn from life or based on specimens from museums like the British Museum. His close association with Thomas Rowlandson, whose sister he married, sometimes led to his works being mistaken for Rowlandson's. However, Howitt's personal experience with field sports lent his compositions a unique authenticity.

One of Howitt’s most notable contributions was his illustrations for Oriental Field Sports (1807) by Captain Thomas Williamson, depicting scenes from India. He also produced numerous etchings, including British Field Sports and The Angler's Manual. Howitt passed away in 1822 in Somers Town, London, and was buried in St. Pancras cemetery. His illustrations continue to be admired for their lively representation of wildlife and sporting life.