the collector's folio

David Wilkie Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by David Wilkie our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide David Wilkie · 1785 – 1841

David Wilkie: Queen victoria

A dignified bust-length portrait of the monarch gazing with composure against a dark background.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #1: Queen victoria

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The First Council of Queen Victoria (1838) by David Wilkie

1838 · Royal Collection, London

Queen Victoria meets her council in this 1838 history painting by Sir David Wilkie. Explore this royal masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #2: The First Council of Queen Victoria

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18140 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Augustus, Duke of Sussex (1773-1843) – David Wilkie

1833 · Buckingham Palace, London · original 252.7 x 162.6cm

This grand Romantic portrait by David Wilkie captures a noble Duke in Highland dress. Discover the beauty of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #3: Augustus, Duke of Sussex (1773-1843)

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait by David Wilkie, 1840

1840 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 76.2 x 62.9cm

This somber 1840 oil painting by David Wilkie captures a contemplative mood through masterful chiaroscuro. Discover this timeless masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #4: Self-Portrait

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29763 × 76 cm Commission at original size

The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist (1841) by David Wilkie

1841 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 25.7 x 19.0cm

This intimate 1841 oil painting by David Wilkie captures a warm religious scene. Discover the beauty of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #5: The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20628 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Pedlar by David Wilkie

1814 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 59.7 x 49.5cm

This 1814 genre painting by David Wilkie captures a warm domestic scene. Discover the charm of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #6: The Pedlar

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30629 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36650 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Ceres in search of Proserpine, David Wilkie

1803 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 88.0 x 66.0cm

This dramatic 1803 oil painting by David Wilkie captures Ceres in a moment of intense distress. Discover this mythological masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #7: Ceres in search of Proserpine

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20626 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$35366 × 88 cm Commission at original size

A Woody Landscape, David Wilkie

1822 · original 24 x 24 cm

Explore 'A Woody Landscape' by Sir David Wilkie (1822). A captivating Romantic oil painting featuring atmospheric brushstrokes & serene rural scenes. Discover 19th-century British art!

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #8: A Woody Landscape

Art Movement: Romantic Landscape Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Washington Irving in the Archives of Seville (1829) by David Wilkie

1829 · New Walk Museum - Art Gallery, Leicester · original 123 x 123 cm

Sir David Wilkie’s 1829 ‘Washington Irving in the Archives of Seville’ captures a scholarly scene with two men engrossed in discussion within a richly detailed library, showcasing the Romantic painter's empathetic style and offering a timeless glimpse into intellectual pursuits. Discover this captivating artwork.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #9: Washington Irving in the Archives of Seville

Art Movement: Romantic Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$608123 × 123 cm Commission at original size

Nelson sealing the Copenhagen letter

1835 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 17 x 23 cm

This artwork is available for purchase as fine art print in various formats and sizes.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #10: Nelson sealing the Copenhagen letter

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Maria Arabella, Marchioness of Lansdowne and her Page – David Wilkie

1809 · National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City · original 32.0 x 35.0cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #11: Maria Arabella, Marchioness of Lansdowne and her Page

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20628 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21032 × 35 cm Commission at original size

The blind violinist by David Wilkie, 1807

1807 · Gemäldegalerie, Berlin

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #12: The blind violinist

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30635 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Hartley Coleridge (1796–1849), as a Boy by David Wilkie, 1806

1806 · original 22 x 18 cm

A captivating portrait of Hartley Coleridge as a boy by Sir David Wilkie (1806). Admire this realistic oil painting's detail & 18th-century style. Explore art history!

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #13: Hartley Coleridge (1796–1849), as a Boy

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Sir David Wilkie, David Wilkie

1813 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 14 x 10 cm

Explore Sir David Wilkie’s 1813 portrait! A Romantic masterpiece featuring a young gentleman in muted tones & expressive brushwork. Discover realism & emotion in this unique oil painting.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #14: Sir David Wilkie

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Chelsea Pensioners Receiving the Gazette Announcing the Battle of Waterloo by David Wilkie

1819 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 26.7 x 43.2cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #15: Chelsea Pensioners Receiving the Gazette Announcing the Battle of Waterloo

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$53141 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$53643 × 27 cm Commission at original size

Sketch for 'The Reading of a Will' by David Wilkie, 1820

1820 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 19.1 x 25.4cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #16: Sketch for 'The Reading of a Will'

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45637 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Reading a Tract (1820)

1820

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #17: Reading a Tract

Art Movement: Romanticism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$23139 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Gypsy Mother by David Wilkie, 1817

1817

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #18: The Gypsy Mother

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20628 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Distraining for Rent

1815 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35639 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Study of a Head for 'The Rabbit on the Wall' by David Wilkie, 1815

1815 · original 20 x 16 cm

Explore Sir David Wilkie’s 'Study of a Head'! This 1815 oil painting showcases dramatic chiaroscuro & Romantic style. A captivating portrait, perfect for art enthusiasts.

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #20: Study of a Head for 'The Rabbit on the Wall'

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

David Wilkie: Portrait of a Young Man

1830 · Slovak National Gallery, Bratislava · original 87.3 x 71.7cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #21: Portrait of a Young Man

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34172 × 87 cm Commission at original size

Prince Charles of Leiningen (1804-1856) – David Wilkie

1827 · Royal Collection, London · original 53.0 x 42.8cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #22: Prince Charles of Leiningen (1804-1856)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22043 × 53 cm Commission at original size

A Roman Princess Washing the Feet of Pilgrims (1827) by David Wilkie

1827 · Royal Collection, London · original 50.2 x 42.2cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #23: A Roman Princess Washing the Feet of Pilgrims

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$28129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31542 × 50 cm Commission at original size

David Wilkie: Sir Alexander Keith

1830 · original 72 x 48 cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #24: Sir Alexander Keith

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30626 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38148 × 72 cm Commission at original size

The Gentle Shepherd by David Wilkie

1823 · original 30 x 41 cm

View the most popular artwork of David Wilkie ranked #25: The Gentle Shepherd

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 214 artworks by David Wilkie
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20637 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21341 × 30 cm Commission at original size

The artist

David Wilkie

1785 – 1841

Quick facts

NationalityUnited Kingdom
Lifespan56 years
Topics exploredvictorian era, portrait, men, portraiture, royalty
Best occasionsaccent
Art period19th Century
Creative periodsmature period
Museums on APSThe Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, National Portrait Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, National Maritime Museum
Typical colorsespresso

Biography

The People’s Painter: The Soul of Scottish Genre

In the grand tapestry of nineteenth-century British art, few threads shine with as much warmth and human empathy as those woven by Sir David Wilkie. Born in the humble village of Pitlessie, Fife, Wilkie emerged from a background steeped in the quiet dignity of rural Scotland. As the son of a parish minister, his path toward the canvas was not initially destined by tradition, yet his burgeoning passion for art proved an undeniable force. His early education at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh, under the guidance of John Graham, provided him with a rigorous foundation, but it was his habit of haunting fairs and marketplaces that truly defined his vision. By capturing the fleeting, characteristic moments of everyday life, he developed a profound ability to transfer the spirit of a scene into his sketchbook, finding extraordinary beauty in the most ordinary subjects.

Wilkie’s artistic journey was marked by an indomitable perseverance and a unique ability to elevate the mundane to the level of high art. While many of his contemporaries sought glory in grand historical narratives or mythological allegories, Wilkie turned his gaze toward the common man. He became a master of genre painting, creating vibrant microcosms of society through works that were teeming with character and anecdotal detail. His early studies were deeply influenced by the likes of Alexander Carse and David Allan, whose focus on scenes from humble life resonated with his own sensibilities. This dedication to realism allowed him to capture the nuances of human experience—the subtle expressions of emotion, the intimate interactions between individuals, and the atmospheric details that breathed life into every canvas.

A Legacy of Light and Narrative Detail

As his reputation expanded from Scotland to the bustling art scene of London, Wilkie’s style underwent a magnificent evolution. His early work possessed a sharp, precise, and spirited touch, often characterized by subdued coloring and a silvery grey tone reminiscent of Dutch genre painters like Teniers and Ostade. However, as he matured, his brushwork grew broader and his palette more luminous, embracing a richness of tone and a powerful use of color that reflected the burgeoning Romantic movement. This transition allowed him to tackle even more monumental subjects without losing the psychological depth that was his hallmark. His appointment as Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria stands as a testament to this unparalleled skill, securing him prestigious commissions for royal portraits and historical scenes.

The breadth of Wilkie’s oeuvre is truly remarkable, spanning from the intimate to the epic. His masterpiece, The Chelsea Pensioners Reading the Waterloo Dispatch, remains one of his most celebrated achievements, offering an immersive portrayal of camaraderie and shared anxiety that continues to captivate audiences at Apsley House. Beyond these narrative triumphs, he excelled in historical paintings such as Sir David Baird Discovering the Body of Sultan Tipoo Sahib, and even captured the scholarly atmosphere of intellectual pursuits in works like Washington Irving in the Archives of Seville. Whether depicting a bustling village festival or a formal royal figure, Wilkie’s work remains anchored by a distinctly Scottish sensibility and an unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of life as it is lived.

Questions & Answers

Can I study David Wilkie's use of color across all works?

David Wilkie's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

Is there a chronological account of David Wilkie?

A chronological account of David Wilkie's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

Can I visit a virtual museum of David Wilkie's works?

The 3D Museum of David Wilkie is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 2, 2026

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