(b Dublin, 1796; d New York, 10 Dec 1863). American painter of Irish birth. He was trained in Dublin, and his early work was in the style of Sir Martin Archer Shee. He arrived in New York in 1816 and became a leading figure in its artistic and social circles. Ingham was particularly successful with his flattering portraits of fashionable women and completed over 200 such works between 1826 and 1845. A meticulous draughtsman, Ingham developed a technically advanced style, building up layers of glazes and varnishes to create a glossy surface. Such portraits as Fidelia Marshall (Washington, DC, N. Mus. Amer. A.) demonstrate Ingham’s careful attention to the rendering of textures and details of dress. Several of his better-known works, including Flower Girl (1846; New York, Met.), carry allegorical overtones. Although his reputation rested on his portraits of women and children, Ingham painted a considerable number of men as well.