Born 1821 in Calais, Brown studied in Bruges, Antwerp and Paris. In 1845, he visited Rome where he was influenced by the German Nazarene painters. On moving to England in 1846, he became closely involved with the Pre-Raphaelites and painted some of his best works under their influence. ‘The Last of England’ is his most famous work and one of the best-known images in Victorian art. Inspired by the actual departure of the sculptor Thomas Woolner to Australia in July 1852, Brown has depicted himself with his young wife and baby as they leave their homeland. In his later years, he reverted to the historical and romantic subjects of his youth. Died 1893.
