Biography

English painter. His childish efforts at painting meeting with encouragement from Benjamin West, he was articled to Abraham Cooper, and from 1822 until his death was a large exhibitor at the Royal Academy and British Institution, chiefly of historical compositions, in which horses formed a prominent feature.

On the recommendation of Sir Edwin Landseer, who thought highly of his talent, Woodward painted many portraits of favourite horses for the queen, the prince consort, and other distinguished persons; several of these were engraved for the 'Sporting Magazine.' His "Tempting Present" has also been well engraved. Being unable, on account of his delicate health, to settle in London, Woodward resided chiefly in his native county Worcester where he died unmarried.