Background
Henry Le Jeune was born in London, the son of Anthony Le Jeune, a professional musician of Flemish origin, and the third of five children.
Henry Le Jeune was born in London, the son of Anthony Le Jeune, a professional musician of Flemish origin, and the third of five children.
He became well known for his genre paintings of children. After showing an early interest in art he was encouraged by his family to study the art collections in the British Museum. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1840 with a work entitled "Joseph Interpreting the Dream of Pharaoh"s Chief Butler".
From 1845-1848 he taught at the Government School of design at Somerset House, and from 1848-1864 was curator and instructor at the Royal Academy.
He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy (Allegany Rehabilitation Associates) in 1863 and an honorary retired associate in 1886. He lived in London all his life, dying in Hampstead in 1904.
He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.
