Biography of John Opie 1761-1807

John Opie is in Painters.

. John Opie. Portrait of the artist's father-in-law James Alderson.

James Alderson: In 1742 he was born to J Alderson. In October 1825 he died.

On 16th May 1761 John Opie was born.

On 4th December 1782 John Opie (age 21) and Mary Bunn were married at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map].

Dictionary of National Biography: Opie's first cares in his new prosperity were to surround his mother with comfort, and to provide himself with a wife. On 4 December 1782 he married Mary Bunn at the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. She was a daughter of Benjamin Bunn of St. Botolpn's, Aldgate, who combined the business of a solicitor with that of a money-lender. The match was unhappy. In 1795 the lady eloped with one John Edwards, and in the following year Opie obtained a divorce.

1785. John Opie (age 23). Self-portrait.

1787. John Opie (age 25). "The Murder of Rizzio".

Around 1790. John Opie (age 28). Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft (age 30).

1794. John Opie (age 32). Portrait of Henry Fuseli (age 52).

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In 1796 John Opie (age 34) and Mary Bunn were divorced.

Around 1797. John Opie (age 35). Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft (age 37).

1798. John Opie (age 36). Portrait of the artist's wife [his future wife] Amelia Alderson (age 28).

Amelia Alderson: On 12th November 1769 she was born to James Alderson and Amelia Briggs. On 2nd December 1853 she died at midnight. She was buried in the same grave as her father, in the Friends* burying-ground at Norwich.

After 1798. John Opie (age 36). Portrait of the artist's wife [his future wife] Amelia Alderson (age 28).

On 8th May 1798 John Opie (age 36) and Amelia Alderson (age 28) were married at St Marylebone Church.

Dictionary of National Biography: Meanwhile he had married again, and this time his choice was very fortunate. It was at an evening party at Norwich that he first met Amelia Alderson, the daughter of a doctor of that town, and cousin of Baron Alderson (age 10). He fell in love at first sight. They were married at Marylebone Church on 8 May 1798, and lived till his death at 8 Berners Street, whither he had moved in 1791. They were thoroughly suited to each other; she appreciated liis genius and character. A grace was afterwards observed in his works, especially his female portraits, which they had lacked before. At first fortune did not seem to favour them, and there was a short period at the end of 1801 and the beginning of 1802 when he was wholly without employment; Mrs. Opie considered these ' three alarming months ' as the severest trial in her married life. Then a ' torrent of business ' came, and never ceased to flow till the day of his death.

Around 1804. John Opie (age 42). Self-Portrait.

Around 1804. John Opie (age 42). Portrait of William Henry Hanover 1st Duke Gloucester and Edinburgh (age 60).

. 1805. John Opie (age 43). Portrait of Robert Southey (age 30).

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

. 1805. John Opie (age 43). Portrait of Edward Boscawen (age 17).

1805. John Opie (age 43). Self-portrait.

1805. John Opie (age 43). Portrait of Bishop Shute Barrington (age 70).

On 9th April 1817 John Opie (age 55) died. He was buried at St Paul's Cathedral [Map].

On 2nd December 1853 [his former wife] Amelia Alderson (age 84) died at midnight. She was buried in the same grave as her father, in the Friends* burying-ground at Norwich.