Joseph Highmore: A Master of English Conversation Pieces Born in London on June 13, 1692, and passing away in Canterbury on March 3, 1780, Joseph Highmore stands as a pivotal figure in the history of English painting. Initially discouraged from pursuing his artistic passions by his family’s mercantile background, Highmore ultimately forged a remarkable career as a portraitist, conversation piece painter, and illustrator – a rare combination that cemented his place within the evolving landscape of 18th-century British art. His work offers a fascinating glimpse into the social customs and aes…