"A Thorn Admidst Roses" By ~ James Sant ~ 1820 - 1916.

Portrait painter in oil. Born in Croydon. Studied art under John Varley and Sir Augustus Callcott, also at the R.A. Schools. Exhibited many works at the Royal Academy from 1840. Elected A.R.A. in 1861, R.A. in 1869, and retired from the R.A. in 1914. Appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to Queen Victoria. He received many important portrait commissions, but also painted landscapes and genre. Lived in London and died on 12th July 1916.