ALFRED EDWARD CHALON (1781--1860), born in Geneva, and of French extraction, holds a high place in the history of English art as a portrait painter in water colours; his miniatures on ivory are full of life, vigour, and originality. He was elected R.A. in 1816. As a painter in oils, Alfred Chalon achieved a high degree of success. _Hunt the Slipper_, _Samson and Delilah_ (exhibited for the second time at the International Exhibition in 1862), and _Sophia Western_ deserve notice among his oil paintings. Chalon could not only paint with originality, but could catch the manner of the old masters with such accuracy, that some of his works were attributed even by the skilful to Rubens, Watteau, and others. His elder brother, JOHN JAMES CHALON (1778--1854), obtained celebrity as a landscape painter. WILLIAM ESSEX (1784--1869) painted in enamel, and exhibited a portrait of the _Empress Josephine_, after Isabey, at the Royal Academy in 1824. In 1839 he was appointed painter in enamels to the Queen, and in 1841 to the Prince Consort. He was one of the last of the painters in enamel. [Illustration: MORNING WALK. _By_ ALFRED E. CHALON.] WILLIAM DERBY (1786--1847) was celebrated for his careful copies in miniature of celebrated portraits. He was largely employed on Lodge's "Portraits of Illustrious Persons." With SIR WILLIAM CHARLES ROSS (1794--1860) ends the school of deceased miniature painters. Ross was an artist even in the nursery. He became an assistant to Andrew Robertson, and although his forte was miniature-painting, he longed for the higher flight of historic art. His _Judgment of Brutus_, _Christ casting out Devils_ (exhibited in 1825), and _The Angel Raphael discoursing with Adam and Eve_ (to which an additional premium of L100 was awarded at the Cartoon Exhibition in 1843), are specimens of his power in this branch of art, at different periods. It is as a miniature painter that he will live in the history of art. He was elected to the full rank of R.A. in 1839, and was knighted in the same year. The Court smiled upon him. He painted miniatures of the Queen and Royal Family, the Saxe-Gotha Family, and the King and Queen of Portugal. The late Emperor of the French, when Prince Louis Napoleon, was among his numerous sitters. [Illustration] CHAPTER VII. PAINTERS IN WATER COLOURS. (1750--1875.)