Samuel Lover

1797 - 1868

Essentials

  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Died: 1868
  • Typical colors: earthy
  • Born: 1797, Dublin, Ireland
  • Top-ranked work: Mrs Lover and her Daughter
  • Works on this site: 3

A Versatile Irish Talent

Samuel Lover was a man of immense creative breadth, a figure whose talents spanned the realms of music, literature, and visual art. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he achieved significant success as a portrait painter, particularly noted for his skill in the delicate medium of miniatures. Beyond the canvas, he was a prolific songwriter and composer, crafting melodies that resonated deeply with his audience. His literary contributions were equally vast, encompassing novels, short stories, and songs that captured the essence of Irish life.

His musical legacy includes various stage works, such as the operetta Il Paddy Whack in Italia, and popular songs like The Angel's Whisper and Molly Bawn. As a writer, he is well-known for works such as Rory O'More and Handy Andy. His ability to weave together song and sketch resulted in popular entertainments like Irish Nights, which he took to North America.

Legacy and Lineage

Lover's influence extended through his family and his professional associations. He was a co-founder of Bentley's Magazine alongside Charles Dickens. His creative lineage continued through his daughter, Fanny, who was the mother of the composer Victor Herbert. Lover passed away in Saint Helier, Jersey, leaving behind a reputation as a versatile genius who illustrated the characteristics of the Irish peasantry through both his pen and his pencil.

Questions & Answers

What colors did Samuel Lover use most often?

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

Where are Samuel Lover's artworks grouped by palette?

Samuel Lover's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.

What moods do Samuel Lover's artworks express?

Samuel Lover's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

Is there a chronological account of Samuel Lover?

The Chronicle of Samuel Lover is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Samuel Lover born?
Question 2:
What was Lover's primary focus as a painter before committing to a literary career?
Question 3:
Which famous author did Lover join to found Bentley's Magazine?
Question 4:
Who was the grandfather of the composer Victor Herbert?
Question 5:
Which of these is one of Lover's best-known novels?