“Painter of historical, literary and romantic genre, landscape and biblical subjects. Born in Calais. Studied in Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, under Baron Wappers 1837-39. In Paris 1841-44. Competed for the Westminster Hall Decorations 1844-5. Visited Rome 1845, where he came under the influence of the German Nazarene painters. Returned to England in 1846. In 1848, D.G. Rossetti wrote F.M.B. a letter expressing admiration for his work, and shortly afterwards became his pupil. Although never a member of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, Brown was familiar with their aims and ideals, and under their influence, painted some of his best works, such as ‘Work’ and ‘The Last of England’. Exhibited at the RA and BI, 1841-67. In his later period, Brown reverted to the historical and romantic subjects of his youth, painted predominantly under the influence of Rosetti, often in watercolour. Although he never achieved the fame or popularity of the Pre-Raphaelites, Brown was the most important artist to be closely associated with them.”

(Bibliographical source: Wood, Christopher. The Dictionary of Victorian Painters.)