Frederick Richard Pickersgill, the son of Richard Pickersgill (fl. 1818-1853) and nephew of Henry William Pickersgill (1782-1875), studied under his uncle William Frederick Witherington (1785-1865). He exhibited numerous works at the Royal Academy from 1839 to 1875 and at the British Institution taking his subject matter from mythological, biblical or literary scenes, especially Shakespeare and Spencer. Frederick Pickersgill was greatly influenced by William Etty and shared his taste in grand historical subjects in emulation of Titian and the great painters of sixteenth century Venice.