Daniel Maclise RA (1806–1870) was born in Cork, Ireland, into humble beginnings, but was determined to make a living as an artist. He moved to London in 1827 and exhibited for the first time at the Royal Academy in 1829. He went on to become a full member of the Academy in 1840. Painting historical and literary subjects, he also designed illustrations for several works by Dickens. in 1846 he was commissioned to paint murals in the House of Lords on such subjects as Justice and Chivalry. In 1858, Maclise commenced one of the two great monumental works of his life on the walls of Westminster Palace.
