Thomas Jones Barker

Thomas Jones Barker was an English painter of battles and military history, often called the English Horace Vernet. His large scenes feature recognisable figures in heroic action, from Waterloo to Nelson at sea.

Born in Bath, the son of the painter Thomas Barker, he studied in Paris under Horace Vernet and showed at the Paris Salon for many years, receiving the Legion of Honour. Back in England he painted history pictures and portraits, including Nelson Boarding the San Josef and scenes from the Battle of Waterloo. His painting The Secret of England’s Greatness shows Queen Victoria presenting a Bible and is in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

His work is also in the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. Look at the careful details of uniforms and horses, and the drama of his battle scenes.