Charles Robertson

Charles Robertson (1844, Walton-on-Thames - 10 November 1891, Godalming) was an English painter and engraver. He focused on landscapes and genre scenes and is best remembered for his Orientalist works.

He studied art in London during the early 1860s, although the details are unknown. The watercolorist, Myles Birket Foster, was a good friend of his and had a noticeable influence on his style, so it is possible that Foster was also his teacher.

For some years, he lived in Aix-en-Provence and, hearing about the opportunities available for aspiring artists, made his first trip to North Africa (Algeria) in 1862. The following year, he had his professional debut at the Royal Academy. In 1865, he married Alice Mary Lonsdale (1836-1916), the daughter of Captain William Lonsdale, one of the founders of the town that would later become Melbourne.

Buoyed by the success of his first exhibits, he travelled to Turkey (1872), then Egypt and Morocco (1876); journeys which would provide him with inspiration and material for the remainder of his career.Toward the end of his life, in 1889, he made an extended visit to Jerusalem, Damascus and Cairo.

After 1884, he worked exclusively in watercolors. He established himself in this medium so quickly that, in 1885, he was elected an associate of the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours; becoming a full member shortly before his death. He also served as Vice-President of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers..

A major retrospective of his work was organized by the Fine Art Society in 1892.

His paintings may be seen at the Walker Art Gallery and in the National Gallery of Australia.