English Painters, with a Chapter on American Painters

"English Painters, with a Chapter on American Painters" by H. J. Wilmot-Buxton and S. R. Koehler is an illustrated handbook of art history written in the late 19th century. This work provides a comprehensive exploration of the history and development of painting in England, tracing the influence of foreign artists and detailing the contributions of notable English painters from early periods up until the 18th century, including figures such as Hogarth, Reynolds, and Gainsborough. The opening of this handbook sets the stage for an in-depth examination of early English art, arguing against the misconception that England was devoid of artistic merit before the Renaissance. Wilmot-Buxton notes the contributions of lesser-known figures and sketches a narrative around the significant but often overlooked medieval and early modern English painters. The text highlights the gradual evolution of English painting, emphasizing how various foreign influences shaped local artistry, culminating in a uniquely English style that developed a distinct identity, particularly through the works of pivotal artists in the 18th century.