Richard Paton

Richard Paton (1717–1791) was a British marine painter.

Paton spent his artistic career in London, where he was born. He grew up in poverty, and critics generally assume he was likely self-taught. A considerable effect of Samuel Scott's works, and a smaller one of Charles Brooking's, was noted.

His early career was apparently helped, as noted by E.H.H. Archibald, through the patronage of Commander Charles Knowles (the later Admiral Sir Charles Knowles). He was assistant to the ship’s painter on Knowles' ship, gaining knowledge in both painting and seamanship. In 1742, he started working at the Excise Office.

His first exhibition was in 1758 on the premises of the London-based Society of Artists, where he continued to exhibit up to 1770. The Royal Academy hosted his works between 1762 and 1780.

Paton's specialty were marine and naval paintings. He painted naval actions of wars ongoing at the time of painting such as the Seven Years War of 1756–1763 and later The American Revolutionary War, as well as earlier events such as the battles of the War of the Quadruple Alliance which took place when he was a baby. The paintings include many dramatic effects such as battles at night, the shooting of cannons and the effect of bombardments. There are, however, also less militant themes such as ships becalmed. His "sublime depiction of the sky" was considered especially noteworthy. Prints of his works, made among others by Pierre-Charles Canot, made them widely known.

His work was judged "uneven in quality, possibly reflecting his lack of proper training." His career, with its emphasis on the favorable depiction of British war ships and battles at sea, was simultaneous with the publication and immediate popularity of the still well-known song "Rule Britannia." Like that song, Paton's marine paintings both reflected the growth of British sea power throughout the 18th century and helped gain public support and backing for that process.

Among his most well-known works is the "Action Between the Serapis and Bonhomme Richard," depicting the famous confrontation of the British Richard Pearson and the American John Paul Jones, occurring on September 23, 1779, off Flamborough Head. It ended with a humiliating British defeat; nevertheless, the painting achieved success when included among the prints published within a year of the battle, while the war was still going on, by James Fittler and Daniel Lerpinière. The painting is at present in the museum of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.