Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ingham, Charles Cromwell

587066Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 28 — Ingham, Charles Cromwell1891Lionel Henry Cust

INGHAM, CHARLES CROMWELL (1796–1863), painter, born in Dublin in 1796, was descended from an officer in Cromwell's army. He showed a taste for painting at a very early age, and when thirteen studied at the Dublin Institution. After one year he became pupil to William Cumming (fl. 1797-1823) [q.v.], with whom he remained four years. He obtained a premium from the Dublin Academy for a picture of 'The Death of Cleopatra.' In 1816 he went with his family to America, and settled in New York. He soon obtained employment as a portrait-painter. Eventually he became noted for his skilful portraits of women and children. His miniatures were also much admired. Among his figure portraits may be mentioned a scene from 'Don Juan.' Ingham was one of the original members of the National Academy of Design in America, and afterwards vice-president. He was also one of the originators of the Sketching Society in New York. He died there in 1863.

[Dunlap's Hist. of the Arts of Design in the United States; Champlin and Perkins's Port. of Painters.]

L. C.