PHILLIP, Jcine, ILA. was in May 22, 1817, at Aberdeen. At a very early age he gave indication of the talent which afterwards so distinguished him: and before he had attained his 15th year had painted various pictures showing his feeling for color. He thus procured an introduction to the late lord Pannire, by whom he was enabled to go to London to pursue his studies. by copying from the Elgin marbles at the British museum, and after a few months was admitted as a student at the royal academy.
All his early subjects were of Scotch character, such as a "Scotch Fair," "Baptism in Scotland," a "Scotch Washing," "The Offering." etc. In the year 1851 he went to Spain iu search of health, which lie found, and with it a change in the character of hiS subjects. On his return home he established himself at the head of the painters of the habits, and customs of the Spanish people. In 1853 lte exhibited at the royal academy "Life :mom the Gipsies at Seville." His pictures for 1854-55, " A Letter Writer of Seville," and "Ell Paseo," were both pm•chas•d by her majesty the queen. In 1857 he attained the rank of associate of the royal academy, and the following year exhibited most powerful picture of " Spanish Centrabandistas," which was purchased by the late prince consort, of whom he also painted a portrait the same year for the town-ball of his native city. In 1859 he received the full honor of royal academician. Ills work for
exhibition in 1860 was certainly the most difficult lie Laid yet tried, and his success was proportionably- great. "The 4clarringe of the Princess Royal" was pronounced by both las fellow-artists and the public as a decided success. His next portrait subject (exhib ited 1E63) was, if possible, a still more difficult task, being the ''House of Commons, 1860," containing upwards of 80 portraits of the leading members of both sides of the house; in it he was equally successful. However much he excelled in portraiture, hits heart was more in his Spanish subjects, of which he was understcod to have in progress more works (the fruits of his last two visits to Spain) than he could have finished in several years.
The characteristics of Mr. Phillip's style are rich, powerful color, broad light and shade, strong, bold outline, and great variety and truthfulness of texture; there WaS no artist in his day who had more power over his brush, or whose example produced a greater effect on the colorists of the present British school. He died Feb. 27, 1867.