Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Swaine, Francis

647076Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 55 — Swaine, Francis1898Freeman Marius O'Donoghue

SWAINE, FRANCIS (d. 1782), marine-painter, was one of the earliest English artists whose sea-views possess any merit. He was an imitator of the younger Vandevelde, and his works may be classed with those of his contemporaries, Charles Brooking [q. v.] and Peter Monamy [q. v.] He enjoyed a considerable reputation, and was awarded premiums by the Society of Arts in 1764 and 1765. Swaine exhibited largely with the Incorporated Society and the Free Society from 1762 until his death, sending chiefly studies of shipping in both calm and stormy seas, harbour views, and naval engagements. He was very partial to moonlight effects. Some of his works were engraved by Canot, Benazech, and others, and there is a set of plates of fights between English and French ships, several of which are from paintings by him. Swaine resided at Strutton Ground, Westminster, until near the end of his life, when he removed to Chelsea. He died in 1782, and seven works by him were included in the exhibition of the Incorporated Society in the following year. Two pictures by Swaine are at Hampton Court.

[Edwards's Anecdotes; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Seguier's Dict. of Painters; Exhibition Catalogues.]

F. M. O'D.