1788-1860

From The Art of Shakespeare

A talented and versatile nineteenth century British painter, Francis Phillip Stephanoff was born in London in 1788... Stephanoff began his formal training at thirteen when he entered the Royal Academy School. He made his debut at the Academy in 1807 and continued to exhibit there regularly until 1845. Stephanoff was also a regular contributor to the exhibitions at the British Institution and the Old Watercolour Society. His preferred subject matter ran to historical, biblical and literary scenes. 

Stephanoff was a watercolor painter whose skills as a commercial illustrator were much in demand. He produced humorous snippets for the magazines of the day and contributed many of the costume portraits for a lavishly ilustrated volume, The Coronation of George IV. Along with his brother James, Francis also illustrated Pyne's History of the Royal Residences. He was extremely well-suited to this particular task due to his expertise as an architectural draftsman. Stephanoff also contributed illustrations to many popular periodicals including Literary Souvenirs, Forget-me-not, and The Keepsake. Many of his works were published in engraved form and thus enjoyed a large circulation among the public. 

Stephanoff's depictions of Shakespearean subjects are among his finest works. Notable amongst them were paintings Stephanoff exhibited at the Royal Academy, A Scene form Henry III, Beatrice an Benedict, Queen Catherine and Katherina and Petruchio. Stephanoff died in West Hannam on May 15, 1860.