Education

Firstly he apprenticed to an engraver. Then Solomon began his studies by drawing classical sculpture at the British Museum, painted miniature copies and colouring theatrical prints with his father in the evenings.

In 1823 Solomon entered the Royal Academy as a student. He became celebrated as a painter of historical scenes and characters.

Career

In 1840 Solomon became the first full member of the Royal Academy. In 1854 Hart started to teach as proffessor of painting at the Academy. He was teaching until 1863. From 1865 to his death he served as librarian of the institution. During his work as a librarian he added over 2000 books to the collection.

Achievements

• In 1826 Solomon Alexander Xart started exhibiting at Somerset House with a miniature of his father.

• In 1828 he exhibited an oil painting ‘Instruction’ at the British Institution, which was was sold at the private view. From that time he devoted himself to historical and genre compositions. He at once achieved a reputation by some scenes from the Jewish ceremonial. Next year he exhibited five pictures, but did not sell one.

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  In 1830 he exhibited the work called ‘Interior of a Polish Synagogue’ afterwards known as ‘The Elevation of the Law’ at the Suffolk Street Gallery. This painting was purchased by Robert Vernon and was left with his other pictures to the nation. Afterwards Hart received seventeen orders, but he was only able to execute only three, one picture also was made for Mr. Vernon, 'English Nobility receiving the Communion of the Catholic Church.'

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  In 1834 Hart exhibited 'The Quarrel Scene between Wolsey and Buckingham' in the Royal Academy.

• In 1836 he painted 'Sir Thomas More receiving the Beneiction of his Father'.

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  Afterwards Hart began to paint scenes from Scott and Shakespeare and the romantic episodes of history. In 1838 Hart painted Royal Academy diploma work. It was a late 16th-century scene showing figures listening attentively to a reading from the works of Shakespeare. ,

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  In 1839 he exhibited a large picture of 'Lady Jane Grey at the Place of her Execution on Tower Hi11', which secured his election as royal academician in 1840.In 1841–42 Hart visited Italy, and made some series of drawings of historical sites and architectural interiors: Interior of a Church in Florence, Interior, St. Mark's, Venice, The Feast of the Rejoicing of the Law and so on

Religion

Solomon Alexander Xart remained an observant Jew all his life

Connections

Father:

Samuel Hart