the collector's folio

Benjamin Haydon Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Benjamin Haydon our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Benjamin Haydon · 1786 – 1846

Christ Blessing the Little Children, Benjamin Haydon

1837 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 3250 x 2890 cm

Experience the grandeur of Benjamin Robert Haydon’s "Christ Blessing The Little Children," a monumental neoclassical masterpiece depicting Jesus Christ's compassionate blessing of children – a poignant symbol of faith and innocence.

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #1: Christ Blessing the Little Children

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17034 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Punch or May Day – Benjamin Haydon

Tate Britain, London · original 150 x 185 cm

Experience the vibrant energy of May Day London with Benjamin Robert Haydon's lively historical scene; discover this masterpiece of early 19th-century British art today.

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #2: Punch or May Day

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$948185 × 150 cm Commission at original size

Marcus Curtius (1843) by Benjamin Haydon

1843 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 76.5 x 63.5cm

This dramatic Romantic painting by Benjamin Haydon shows a hero plunging into an abyss. Discover the power of this historical masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #3: Marcus Curtius

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28464 × 77 cm Commission at original size

Wordsworth on Helvellyn by Benjamin Haydon, 1842

1842 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 124 x 99 cm

A profound portrait of Romantic solitude featuring William Wordsworth amidst the rugged grandeur of Helvellyn by Benjamin Robert Haydon, inviting you to bring this masterpiece of 19th-century history into your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #4: Wordsworth on Helvellyn

Art Movement: Romanticism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$50099 × 124 cm Commission at original size

Christ Blessing The Little Children

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17034 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Anti Slavery

National Portrait Gallery, London

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Mary, Queen Of Scots When An Infant

Explore Benjamin Haydon’s dramatic ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ – a Romantic masterpiece depicting the Adoration of the Magi. Discover its opulent style & historical significance.

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$29536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

James Henry Leigh Hunt

National Portrait Gallery, London

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The Mock Election

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Thomas Alcock

Explore Benjamin Robert Haydon’s portrait of Thomas Alcock – a neoclassical masterpiece showcasing dignified realism & subtle romanticism. Oil on canvas, circa 1800s.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Henrietta Nelson Noble, Benjamin Haydon

Admire 'Henrietta Nelson Noble,' a captivating portrait by Benjamin Robert Haydon. Explore 18th/19th-century elegance, rich details & timeless beauty. A stunning piece for art collectors.

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #11: Henrietta Nelson Noble

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Christ Blessing The Little Children, Benjamin Haydon

Explore Benjamin Robert Haydon’s "Christ Blessing The Little Children," a grand neoclassical oil painting of biblical significance. Admire its dramatic lighting & rich detail!

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #12: Christ Blessing The Little Children

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$39534 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Self Portrait As The Spirit Of The Vine

Explore Benjamin Robert Haydon’s ‘Self Portrait As The Spirit Of The Vine,’ a Romantic oil painting brimming with floral beauty & dramatic lighting. A captivating portrait of femininity.

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The Anti-slavery Society Convention

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Christ's Entry Into Jerusalem, Benjamin Haydon

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #15: Christ's Entry Into Jerusalem

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Mock Election by Benjamin Haydon

1827 · Royal Collection, London · original 145.0 x 185.6cm

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #16: The Mock Election

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$84536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1599186 × 145 cm Commission at original size

Curtius Leaping Into The Gulf, Benjamin Haydon

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #17: Curtius Leaping Into The Gulf

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17026 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Judgement Of Solomon

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Man

Admire Benjamin Robert Haydon’s ‘Portrait of a Man,’ a dramatic Romantic painting featuring rich tones & intense gaze. Explore classical style, impasto texture & historical significance.

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Benjamin Haydon: Shall I Resign

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #20: Shall I Resign

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Alexander The Great

Petworth House, Petworth

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled by Benjamin Haydon

National Portrait Gallery, London

View the most popular artwork of Benjamin Haydon ranked #22: Untitled

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

William Wordsworth

National Portrait Gallery, London

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Hawkes

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17026 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Wordsworth On Helvellyn

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 50 artworks by Benjamin Haydon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Benjamin Haydon

1786 – 1846

Quick facts

Topics exploredroyalty, christianity
Lifespan60 years
Copyright statusPublic domain
Also known asBenjamin Robert Haydon, Mr. Haydon, Hayden, Haydon, B.R. Haydon
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Works on APS50
Died1846
Movementsromanticism, neoclassicism

Biography

A Life Immersed in History and Drama

Benjamin Robert Haydon, a name perhaps less instantly recognizable than his Romantic contemporaries, nevertheless occupies a fascinating and poignant position within 19th-century British art. Born in Plymouth in 1786, the son of a printer and publisher, Haydon’s life was one of passionate dedication to historical painting, coupled with relentless financial struggle and ultimately, tragic despair. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable aptitude for study, nurtured by his mother and fueled by a burgeoning fascination with anatomy sparked by the illustrations of Albinus. This anatomical precision would become a hallmark of his work, grounding his dramatic compositions in meticulous detail. His formal education at Plymouth Grammar School and later Plympton Grammar School provided a solid foundation, but it was his move to London in 1804 and subsequent entry into the Royal Academy Schools that truly set him on the path toward becoming a history painter – a genre he championed with unwavering conviction.

The Pursuit of Grand Historical Visions

Haydon’s artistic ambition centered firmly on grand historical narratives, though his portfolio also included portraits and contemporary scenes. He debuted at the Royal Academy in 1807 with “The Repose in Egypt,” a work that immediately garnered attention and secured early patronage from Thomas Hope. However, it was his subsequent painting, "Dentatus" (1809), that ignited both acclaim and controversy. The piece, depicting a Roman soldier refusing to surrender his arms, was deemed too politically charged by the Academy’s committee and relegated to a less prominent display location – an act that fueled Haydon's lifelong distrust of the institution. His style evolved as a compelling blend of Neoclassical rigor and Romantic fervor. He embraced dramatic compositions, often employing bold lighting and dynamic poses to convey emotional intensity. He wasn’t merely illustrating history; he was striving to *animate* it, imbuing his canvases with moral weight and civic virtue. Works like “Christ's Entry into Jerusalem,” a monumental canvas teeming with figures – including recognizable portraits of contemporaries such as Wordsworth, Hazlitt, and Keats – exemplify this approach. “The Judgment of Solomon” and “Resurrection of Lazarus” further demonstrate his skill in depicting pivotal moments with both grandeur and psychological depth. Even his portraiture, like that of Thomas Alcock, reveals a neoclassical sensibility tempered by a Romantic sensitivity to character.

A Tumultuous Path Marked by Financial Strain

Despite critical recognition, Haydon’s career was perpetually overshadowed by financial difficulties. His father ceased providing support in 1810, forcing him to rely solely on the income from his art – a precarious existence given the scale and ambition of his projects. Disputes with patrons, notably Lord Mulgrave and Richard Payne Knight, further exacerbated his problems. He possessed a regrettable tendency toward tactless dealings, alienating potential benefactors and hindering his commercial success. The sheer size of his preferred canvases also contributed to the strain; large-scale historical paintings were expensive to produce and difficult to sell in sufficient quantities to sustain him. Consequently, Haydon faced repeated imprisonment for debt – in 1821 and again in 1827 – experiences that deeply scarred him and fueled a growing sense of frustration and resentment. He was a man driven by artistic vision but perpetually hampered by practical realities.

Legacy and the Echoes of a Passionate Voice

Though his life ended tragically, Benjamin Robert Haydon left behind a significant legacy. He was a fervent advocate for historical painting at a time when its popularity was waning, believing it held the power to inspire moral reflection and cultivate civic responsibility. His extensive diaries, published posthumously, offer invaluable insights into the artistic milieu of his era – a candid and often scathing account of the personalities, politics, and challenges faced by artists in 19th-century England. The influence of the “Elgin Marbles” on his work is particularly noteworthy; he meticulously studied their anatomical precision, incorporating that knowledge into his own depictions of the human form. He was a dedicated teacher as well, passing on his knowledge to pupils like Charles Lock Eastlake. While often overlooked today, Haydon’s commitment to depicting significant historical events with dramatic intensity and emotional resonance places him firmly within the Romantic tradition. His paintings remain powerful testaments to an era captivated by history, drama, and the complexities of human emotion. His life serves as a cautionary tale – a reminder that artistic genius does not always equate to financial security or critical acclaim – but also as an inspiration for those who dare to pursue their passions with unwavering dedication, even in the face of adversity.

A Final Descent

The culmination of years of struggle and frustration led Haydon to take his own life in 1846. His diaries provide a harrowing glimpse into the depths of his despair, revealing a man tormented by financial woes and artistic disappointments. The failure of an exhibition mounted shortly before his death – overshadowed by the sensational popularity of General Tom Thumb – proved to be the final blow. His suicide shocked the art world and prompted a belated outpouring of sympathy from some of his former critics. Though he died in despair, Benjamin Robert Haydon is remembered not only for his dramatic canvases but also as a passionate advocate for art education and a chronicler of his time, whose writings continue to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of an artist striving for recognition in a competitive world.

Questions & Answers

Is there a 3D virtual tour of Benjamin Haydon's works?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of Benjamin Haydon presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

How is Benjamin Haydon's career divided into periods?

Benjamin Haydon's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

How can I follow Benjamin Haydon's work year by year?

Benjamin Haydon's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

By the AllPaintingsStore.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 21, 2026

Collector's quiz

Benjamin Robert Haydon specialized in what type of paintings?
What significantly influenced Haydon's work, particularly in his anatomical studies?
Haydon frequently struggled with what throughout his life?
In what year did Haydon die?
What was a notable characteristic of Haydon's artistic style?

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