Henry Bates Joel

A 1890s Joel painting depicting the Scottish highlands is signed H Bates. Henry Bates Joel (1875–1922) was a British landscape painter of the late Victorian era. Joel exhibited from 1880 to 1905 and primarily painted coastal scenes and landscapes.

Works and legacy Bates' 1895 artwork 'Bonchurch, near Ventnor, Isle of Wight''' Bates Joel concentrated on romanticised landscapes, figures and coastal scenes. The artist's most popular motive was the Scottish Highlands. Joel was a much respected artist during the Victorian and Edwardian era, valued especially for the vibrancy of his palette and 'flowing', 'sophisticated' brush strokes, and has seen increasing popularity by collectors.

Bates Joel exhibited from 1884 to 1922 and is catalogued as H B Joel, J H Boel and H Bates'' as his signatures are "monogrammed with initials and difficult to read." This has led to Henry Bates Joel sometimes being referred to as John Henry Boel in auctions and on some portals; there is limited evidence that Boel was his actual name, but this is subject to speculation.

Joel is part of the 'late romantic movement', aimed at supporting the emphasis of aesthetic values. Paintings such as 'Loch Lomod' are typical for Bates Joel's style; "refined and vibrant yet with strongly romanticised aura."