Henry Brocas Junior, Landscape Painter and Engraver
(b. about 1798, d. 1873)
Landscape Painter and Engraver
From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913
Fourth son of Henry Brocas, senior (q.v.), was born about 1798. He painted landscapes in water-colour, and exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1828, 1841, 1853, 1856, 1860 and 1872. As an engraver he etched some copies of Hogarth's works, including "The Election," and a series of twelve Views of Dublin after drawings by his brother Samuel. These were part of a projected work, "Topography of Ireland, commencing with select Views in the City of Dublin of the most remarkable Public Buildings, etc. From original drawings by S. Brocas, expressly taken for the work," etc., etc., an enterprize which materialized only so far as the publication of the twelve Views of Dublin. These, published by J. Le Petit, 20 Capel Street, in 1820, were:
Views of the Four Courts looking down the River Liffey.
Views of the Corn Exchange, Burgh Quay, and Custom House.
Views from Carlisle Bridge.
Views of the Post Office and Nelson's Pillar, Sackville Street.
Views of the Lying-in Hospital and Rutland Square.
Views of the Castle Gate and Royal Exchange.
View of the Royal Exchange, Dame Street.
View of the Bank of Ireland, College Green.
College Green.
View of the Custom House from the River Liffey.
View of the Castle Chapel.
View of Trinity College from Westmoreland Street.
These views were copied, without the engraver's name, and published by a rival printseller, McCleary of Nassau Street. They vary, some of the plates very slightly, others considerably, from Le Petits series, and some of the plates are slightly smaller.
A "Portrait of Richard Kirwan," engraved in stipple by him forms the frontispiece of Vol. 4 of "Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy," 1847-50. Brocas also did some caricatures for McCleary of Nassau Street, and one, "The Doctor dismissing Death," he published himself at 32 New Buildings.
After the death of his father he was, on 31st May, 1838, elected Master of the Ornament and Landscape School of the Royal Dublin Society. He was not very successful as a teacher, wanting both the energy and ability displayed by his father. He retired in 1854. He resided at one time at 15 Henry Street, afterwards at 17 Westland Row, and for many years at 120 Lower Baggot Street, where he died in 1873.
In the British Museum is a drawing of "The Phoenix Park" signed by him. A water-colour of "Charles Dickens and Mr. Wilkie Collins," dated 1844, was sold at Sotheby's in July, 1899.