Heinsjohntheodore1756

John Theodore Heins (Dirck Heine) 1697-1756 the Portrait Painter Artist Norwich Norfolk

John Theodore Heins
1697-1756
Portrait Painter, Norwich

The artist John Theodore Heins was not a relation of mine however I have an interest in him as he painted an excellent portrait of my great x6 grandfather Robert Crowe. His style of painting shows detail of an exceptionally high quality. The face of the portrait is very formal and has been painted so carefully that the result is more like a photograph rather than a painting. Even under a magnifying glass it is difficult to see the brush strokes. I have tried to find out more about Heins the painter but there is little on the internet so I thought it might be worth while creating a page with what information I have been able to find out so far. He does not appear to have had a biography written about him but he is mentioned in a few books and a summary would be as follows:

Heins appears to have originated in Germany but moved to the UK and settled in Norwich around 1720. King George I who ascended to the crown in 1714 was from Hanover. I understand that George I did not spend a lot of time in the UK however during his reign there were a number of immigrants arriving here from Hanover and perhaps John Theodore Heins was one such person. Tracing his early days is rather difficult partly because he seems to have gone under a number of different names including Dietrich and Dirck.

From 1720 to his death in 1756, Heins built up a fine reputation as a portrait painter and painted many members of prominent Norfolk families right up to his last year. He was commissioned in 1732 to paint a portrait of the Mayor of Norwich, Francis Arnam and also the previous year's Mayor Robert Marsh. After this Heins received regular commissions to paint Mayors and other civil dignitaries. By far the majority of his sitters are residents in Norfolk but he also painted people living in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The only other place where he may have painted is Devon where he possibly painted Mr Gerard Hartopp Govenor of Plymouth, painting dated 1752 (or did the sitter visit Norwich?). There also exists a collection of portraits of the Enys family who lived near Penryn in Cornwall (John Enys Sheriff for Cornwall, Samuel Enys, Lucy Enys nee Bassett, her sister Mrs Archer, John Enys Anne Enys nee Gregor). The Enys family portraits were sold by Bonhams 20 Sept 2008. None were attributed to Heins and the dates of some of the sitters could be a bit late (but they certainly all look like his work despite being in need of a good clean).

There are many examples of his portraits in Museums and examples also occasionally turn up for sale at some of the major auction houses. One notable characteristic is that they often have an oval painted onto the canvas to help frame the sitter. Prices vary from £1,000 to £10,000.

Signature of the artist John Theodore Heins (Heine) 1697-1756 painter Norwich Norfolk
Click for larger image

Heins usually puts his signature on the bottom right hand side or bottom left hand side. The signed copies usually record his name and date as follows: Heins, Fec:17XX. (eg 1743). Fec being a Latin abbreviation meaning 'made' (or he made, or made by). One early portrait of a Norfolk sitter (Hewling Luson) is dated 1723 and has his name signed Heine instead of Heins. Other early portraits are signed D Heins, the D standing for Dirck or Dietrich which was possibly what he was originally known by. Dietrich is the German equivalent of Theodore but his official name so to speak appears to have eventually become John Theodore Heins. Another unlikely possibility is that there was a second portrait painter based in Norwich with the name Heins during this period.

Heins may have had some influence on the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). There is no record to confirm this but Heins painted some of Gainsborough's earlier relations and hence Gainsborough must have been familiar with these portraits. Gainsborough was brought up in Sudbury but trained in London.

It is believed that Heins died in Norwich 10 August, 1756, aged about 59 years. He had continued painting right up until his death. I have not been able to establish anything about his family life except that he had a wife called Abigail, a daughter (name?) and a son with the same name John Theodore Heins Jr (1732c to 1771). John Jr also became a portrait painter but does not appear to have developed the skill of his father. He is known to have painted some miniatures but he seems to have progressed on to becoming a topographical etcher. He died in London in 1771.

Books that mention Heins include:
Dictionary of British 18th Century Painters by Ellis Waterhouse, 1981.
Family & Friends, A Regional Survey of British Portraiture by Andrew Moore and Charlotte Crawley, 1992.
Portraits in Norfolk Houses by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, undated but published around 1927-1928.
The Forty-Sixth Volume Of The Walpole Society, 1976-1978, pages 73 and 75.

Attributing portraits to Heins is easy when his signature is clearly visible but if there is no visible signature then an attribution can be difficult. Portraits by Allan Ramsay (1713-1784) and Thomas Hudson (1701-1779) are very similar and so many portraits are probably incorrectly attributed. One very easy point to note about Heins is that he often paints a feint oval around the sitter and this oval can often be noted as a distinct difference. Ovals painted by Ramsey and Hudson are not so common and are often much stronger in their detail. If the sitter is from the Norfolk area then the portrait is of course most likely to be by Heins.

I would welcome any more images or any more information that anyone on the internet might be able to send me about Heins or any of the families that he painted. Please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Portraits Dated in Chronological Order
Thomas Marsham 'D Heins fec. 1720' Recorded in Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 247. 75cm x 65cm. Whitton & Laing Auctioneers, Exeter, 26 April 2002. (Thomas Marsham)	Dexter side of portrait. Sinister side of portrait. 1720
Hewling Luson of Gunton, near Lowestoft Signed 'Heine Fec 1723'. (Hewling Luson: Larger Image)	1723
Unknown Lady in a Red Dress Signed 'Heins Fec 1723' (Lady: larger image )	1723
Mrs Henry Holt Henley Signed 'D Heins fecit 1724'. Norfok Portraits, Vol 1, page 123. Head and shoulders. Body and face full, dark eyes and hair, blue bow and jewel in hair. Dress: Amber satin bodice cut low with blue, and laced in front, lace tippet and collar, short sleeves caught back with a jewel, lace elbow sleeves, a scarf on the left hand side and under the right arm. Size 29 by 24 inch
John Burkin Signed 'Heins fecit 1724'. Norfok Portraits,Vol 1, page 53.	Half length. Body and eyes both full, face slight turned towards the dexter, eyes grey, high curly white wig thrown back over the right shoulder, knot on the left side, mole on the lower side of the face. Dress: Brown coat, frilled shirt, neckband and narrow lace-edged cross-over cravat, brown robe over. M. Oval corners. Age 70.
Mrs James Burkin Signed 'Heins fecit 1724'. Norfok Portraits,Vol 1, page 52.	Half length. Body and face both turned towards the dexter, eyes full, the latter brown, hair very flat with a wisp hanging behind, some white tulle in the hair. Dress: Pink velvet, bodice cut low and V shape over the shoulders, lace tucker, left sleeve caught back with a jewel, showing a lower elbow sleeve, two jewelled clasps in front; holding green orange and leaves, grey gauze on right arm. In sham oval. Age 22.
John Davy 1676-1727 Half length, in a grey (or brown) Coat and embroidered Waistcoat. Merchant of Norwich and Mangreen. He married Alicia Long. 'J Heins, Fec/1724' [Norfok portraits record it as 'D Heins fecit 1724']. 76.2cm x 63.5cm. Christie's 3 March 1994, Lot 10 and Christies 23 May 1996, Lot 73. Norfok Portraits, Vol 1, page 127.	Half length. Body turned slightly towards the dexter, face in opposite direction, small grey eyes full, white wig thrown back on the right shoulder, a knot hanging down the left side. Dress: Plain dove-coloured coat, open showing a silver waistcoat richly brocaded in colours, open at the waist, small silver buttons, neckband and fulled shirt, small lace ruffles; the left arm is extended towards the dexter. M. Age 20. Oval corners. 'D Heins fecit 1724'.
Nathaniel Warner Heins 1724. 124.3cm x 100.3cm. Christie's 26 March 1976, Lot 146.
Thomas Manning and Mrs Manning A pair of portraits signed 'Heins Fec 1724'	Known to have once been at Diss Rectory. See 'Notes & Queries' Oxford University Press 1878.
Unknown Lady Heins 1724. Robinson & Fisher Sale Lot 168
Miles Branthwayt (died 1751) Signed 'D Heins Fec:/1725'. (Miles Branthwayt: Larger Image)	1725
Rebecca Branthwayt nee Newton (died 1740) Assumed to be painted by Heins. (Rebecca Branthwayt: Larger Image)	1725?
Julian Branthwayt (died 1765) Signed 'D Heins Fec:/1725'. (Julian Branthwayt: Larger Image)	1725
Sir Jacob Astley 3rd Bt (1692-1760) National Trust. Seaton Delaval, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland,	1725
Mr Edward Pearce Signed 'D Heins fecit 1725'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page20.	Head and shoulder. Body full, face turned slightly towards the sinister, eyes full, the latter a dark grey, white curly wig, thrown off on the right side, tied in a knot on the left side. Dress: Olive green coat, small buttons, open, showing a frille . . . shirt, neckband, and lace ruffle, a pink or puce robe across the body and the left shoulder. Oval corners. Age 40. Date 1725
Mrs Edward Pearce Signed 'D Heins fecit 1725'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page20.	Half length. Body and eyes both full, face turned slightly towards the dexter, the eyes of a dark grey colour, very dark hair, parted and flat. Dress: White satin, bodice cut low and round but over the shoulder, tucked edged with lace, large diamond on the breast, sleeves caught back with a jewel, just showing the lace elbow sleeves, tight waist to the bodice, old rose scarf over the left shoulder and behind on the right side. M. Oval corners. Age 30. circa 1725. There is no signature of the artist but undoubtedly by D Heins of Norwich.
Sir Henry Le Strange 6th Bart. Signed 'D Heins fe 1725'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 320.	Head and shoulder. Body, face and dark eyes all turned towards the sinister, long curley white wig, knot on the right, and thrown back over the left shoulder. Dress: Dark grey coat, lined with pale grey silk, similar waistcoat, open, fulled shirt, neckband an lace ruffle. Size 28 1/2 by 24 inch. Inscribed 'Sir Henry L'Estrange, Bart. 1760'. and signed 'D Heins fe 1725'. Aged 30.
The Wine Taster A man with a bulbous nose holding a glass up in his right hand. Heins 1725.
Dorothy Branthwayt (died 1769) Signed lower left 'D Heins Fec/1726'. (Dorothy Branthwayt: Larger Image)	1726
John Theordore Heins 1697-1756 Self portrait. Heins 1726. 15.9cm x 12.7cm (John Theodore Heins: Larger Image) Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk	1726
Margretta Marsham (dates not known) Signed lower left 'Heins fec. 1726'. (Margretta Marsham: Larger Image)	1726
John Harvey of Beachamwell, Norfolk (1666-1742) Mayor of Norwich 1727. Norfolk Portraits Vol 2, page 104. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk (John Harvey: Biography) (John Harvey: Larger Image)	1727
Robert Lambert (d.1734) Lady Margaret Preacher, Master, Vice-Chancellor. Date painted: 1727. Oil on canvas, 74 x 61 cm. Collection: St John's College, University of Cambridge.	1727
John Ives as a Young Boy (1718-1793) Signed 'Heins Fec 1728' 126cm x 102cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk (John Ives: Larger image)	1728
Thomas Harwood Mayor of Norwich. Treasurer of the Charity Schools in Norwich. Heins 1728. 127cm x 101.5cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk (Thomas Harwood: Larger Image)	1728
Davy Durrant 'Heins fec 1728'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 268. Half length, brown eyes, white wig, yellow velvet coat with gold braid.
Unknown Gentleman Standing to his left and facing front. Signed and dated 1728. 76.9cm x 63.7cm. Christie's 1 Aug 1974, Lot 208 and Christie's 28 Feb 1986, Lot 117.
Dr Robert Lambert Master of St John's College and Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in 1727. Picture dated 1728? Located at St John's College.
Master Harry Spark Patterson (1725-1764) Signed 'Heins fei/1729'. (Harry Paterson: Larger Image)	1729
Samuel Bradford (1652-1731) Master (1716-1724), Bishop of Rochester (1723-1731) Date painted: 1729. Oil on canvas, 29.5 x 24.5 cm. Collection: Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge.	1729
Matthias Mawson (1683-1770) Bishop of Llandaff; Chichester; Ely. Painted 1729. Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University.
Malachi Hodshon 1727-1769 The sitter was the son of Theodore and Margaretta Hodshon of Wandsworth. 124cm x 100 cm. Noted as being painted by Heins. Sotheby's New York 12 April 1995, Lot45. Probably painted around 1730.	1730
Edward Astley 1699?-1763 'Heins fec 1730'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 6.	Body and face turned towards the sinister, grey eyes full, white wig thrown back over the shoulders. Brown velvert coat, no collar, small brown buttons, fulled shirt, neckband and ruffles. 75cm x 53cm. Inscribed 'Edward, 3rd son of Sir Philip Astely, Bart'.
Charles Gostin Signed 'Heins fecit'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 24.	Half length. Body and face both full, grey eyes, long curled wig tied at end. Dress: Grey coat, white frilled shirt, and cross over tie, a red rob over. M. Age 40. circa 1730.
Jacob Preston 'Heins fec 1730'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 327. Grey eyes, double chin, long nose, white wig, grey coat, white waistcoat embroidered in gold.
Thomas Gainsborough (1709-1739) Presumably signed Heins Fec 1731. (Thomas Gainsborough: Larger Image) Gainsborough's House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, Suffolk. www.gainsborough.org	1731
John Gainsborough (1711-1772) Presumably signed Heins Fec 1731. (John Gainsborough: Larger Image) Gainsborough's House 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, Suffolk. www.gainsborough.org	1731
Unknown Lady in Blue Dress Signed: 'Heins. Fec:/1731'. Christie's 9 Nov 2000, Lot 15. (Lady: Large Image)	1731
Unknown Lady Seated, half length, wearing a green velvet dress with a brooch at her breast and a jewel at her cuff, oil on canvas, signed and dated 1731 lower left, 75.5 x 63.5 cm. Sold Drewetts, 15 May 2002, Lot 425.
Unknown Boy Young Boy wearing a jacket and waistcoat. Waistcoat has 14 buttons, jacket has 9 buttons showing, sleeve has 3 buttons. Right hand on hip. Heins 1731. 74cm x 62cm. Sotheby's 8 May 1974, Lot 32.
Edward and Blanche Astley Children of Sir Jacob Astley, 3rd Bt. of Melton Constable, and his wife Lucy, daughter of Sir Nicholas Le Strange, 4th Bt. of Hunstanton. Blanche later married Edward Pratt of Ryston. Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1732'. 129.5cm x 105cm. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 325 no 49. Sotheby's 18 Nov 1987, Lot 37. Seaton Delaval Hall, National Trust. (Edward & Blanche Astley: Larger Image)	1732
Elizabeth Lady Astley 'Heins fecit 1732'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 8. Grey eyes, grey hair taken up and back with a lock behind. Blue robe with gold sleeve. Right arm forward and left arm downward.
Miss Isabella Astley 'Heins fecit 1732'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 12. Grey eyes, brown hair taken back and short curl behind the left ear. White satin dress. Seaton Delaval Hall, National Trust. (Isabella Astley: Larger Image)	1732
Philip Astley 'Heins fecit 1732'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 22. Grey eyes, white wig, blue coat, 77cm x 63cm.
Rev Thomas Astley 'Heins fecit 1732'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 24. Grey eyes, white wig, black coat, blue robe.
Robert Marsh (1679 or 1680-1771) Mayor of Norwich 1731. 'Heins, Fec:' 1732. 242.5cm x 150cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Francis Arnam (1673 or 1674-1741) Mayor of Norwich. 'Heins, Fec' 1732. 242cm x 150cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Catherine Gostlin 'Heins fecit 1733'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 23.
Henry Brittan Signed and dated 1733 or 1737. Henry as a young man with a dog. He is holding a glove in his left hand. 47cm? x 35cm? Sotheby's 18 Nov 1981.
Music Party at Melton Constable 'Heins fecit 1734' Norfok Portraits, Vol 2, page 19. (Music Party: Larger Image)	1734
John Harvey of Ipswich 1702-1750 'Heins fec 1734' (John Harvey: Biography) (John Harvey: Larger Image)	1734
Mrs James Burkin nee Coates 'D Heins fecit 1734'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 52.
Richard Berney 'Heins fecit 1734'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 393. Grey eyes, white wig, fat face, black robe, white shirt, red table with ink stand.
Edward Astley 'Heins fecit 1735'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 6. Grey eyes, white wig, brown coat, inscribed Edward, 3rd son of Sir Philip Astely Bart.
Rev John Astely 'Heins fecit 1735'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 350. Blue eyes, brown hair, olive-brown coat, red scarf.
Francis Longe 'Heins 1735'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 309. Grey eyes, white wig, gold coloured waistcoat, gold headed cane.
Mrs Francis Longe nee Godfrey 'Heins fecit 1735'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 310. Grey eyes, brown wig, grey coat, blue collar, blue waistcoat, white stockings.
John Howes of Morningthorpe, Norfolk. Signed 'Heins fecit 1736' Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 67. (John Howes: Larger Image)	1736
Mrs Caleb Elwin nee Astley 'Heins fecit 1736'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 31. Grey eyes, light brown hair, blue velvet bodice, yellow tucker, oval corners, 76cm x 63cm.
Thomas Vere (1680 or 1681-1766) 'Heins, Fec/1736'. Mayor of Norwich 1735. 239cm x 150cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Timothy Balderston (1682-1764) Mayor of Norwich 1736 & 1751. 236cm x 147.5cm. Signed lower right 'Heins, Fec' 1736. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Mrs Isacc Preston 'Heins fecit 1737'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 4.	Standing body turned towards the sinister, face in the opposit direction, eyes full, the latter black, black hair, wavy and long behind and also behind the right shoulder. Dress: Pale yellow, bodice cut low and V shaped tight waist, full skirt, dress sleeves to the elbow, and also elbow sleeves, she wears a . . . jewel brooch, with a diamond on each side, at the breast a scarlet robe passes behind both right and left arms; the left hand rests on a gilt carved table, which is on the sinister side of the picture, and on which also rests some of the robe, while the right hand is across the body, holding the stem of a green orange sprig. Pillars on each side of the picture. L Age 25. Date 1737. Signed on the base of the sinister pillar.
The Death of Thomas Guy 1737. Norwich Castle Museum. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Thomas Guy Counting His Money 'Heins. Fec: 1737'. 32cm x 25cm. Sotheby's 18 Nov 1981, Lot 59. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Thomas Harwood Mayor of Norwich 1728. 'Heins fec. 1737'. 244.8 cm x 153.3 cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Unknown Gentleman Signed and dated 1737. Standing to his left and facing front. Left hand tucked inside jacket at waist level. Same frame as on the paintings of Peter and Elizabeth Harvey below. Owned by the late Dr R U F Kynaston who died in 1988.
Peter Harvey of Norwich, Norfolk. (1709-1751) Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1737' Note on the back saying painted by Haynes, 1738. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 171. (Peter Harvey: Biography) (Peter Harvey: Larger Image)	1737
Elizabeth Harvey nee Blyford of Norwich, Norfolk. (1718?-1741) Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1738' Note on the back saying painted by Haynes 1738. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 171. (Elizabeth Harvey: Biography) (Elizabeth Harvey: Larger Image)	1738
Reverend Miles Burkitt Signed 'Heins Fec 1738'. (Rev Miles Burkett: Larger Image)	1738
Unknown Gentleman Signed Heins 1738. Christie's. Body facing the sitters left and his face facing the viewer. 7 buttons on his coat.
Benjamin Nuthall (d. 1752) Mayor of Norwich. 'Heins fec. 1738'. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Christopher Amiraut Signed lower left 'Heins. Fec. 1739'. Norfolk Museum. (Christopher Amiraut: Larger Image)	1739
Thomas Wright of Wighton Dated 1739. 124cm x 99cm. Christie's 7/10/1949 (Thomas Wright: Larger Image)	1739
Unknown Gentleman Large picture showing a man with his right hand over a book and his left hand on his hip. 124cm x 99cm. Heins 1739.
Unknown Gentleman Heins fecit 1739. A man. Vol 2, page 54.
Unknown Gentleman Heins fecit 1739. A man. Vol 2, page 404.
Howes Family Mr John Howes and four of his children; Mrs Nicholas Brown, Mrs George Swiney, Mrs J Welsh, Thomas Howes. 142cm x 165cm. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 67. Noted as Heins. Date presumably around 1739.
Howes Family Mrs John Howes and four of her children; Mrs Frances Longe, Mrs Rowland Sherman, Miss Anne Howes and John Howes. 145cm x 196cm. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 67. Noted as Heins. Date presumably around 1739.
John Patteson as a Child Signed Heins Fecit 1739. 76cm x 63 cm. Sotheby's 11 July 1984, Lot 288.
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) Signed 'Heins: pinxit 1740'. (George Frederic Handel: Larger Image)	1740
Simon Kerrich (1697-1748) Signed 'Heins.Fec:1740'. Norfok Portraits, Vol 1, page 171. (Simon Kerrich: Larger Image)	1740
Unknown Lady 'Heins Fec: 1740' (Unknown Lady: Larger Image)	1740
The Hon Horatio Walpole (1678-1757) 'Heins. Fec. // 1740'. 236.2cm x 147.3cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
William Clarke (died 1752) Mayor of Norwich. 'Heins. Fec: 1740'. 242.8cm x 151.6cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Judith Lady Astley (died 1742 or 1743) 'Heins fecit 1740'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2. page 21.	Seated on a red-backed chair, body turned towards the dexter, face more to the front, fair hair, or just tinted grey, done flat, lock behind. Bright blue bodice cut low, and V shape, fastened in front with a ruby, showing a white opening below and frill all round, sleeves to the elbow slit, with small elbow sleeves below. Inscribed 'Judith Watlington, 2nd wife of Sir Jacob Astley, 3rd Bt'.
Unknown Gentleman Heins fecit 1740. A man. Vol 1, page 62.
Unknown Boy 'Heins. Fec: 1741' (Boy: Larger Image)	1741
Lady Gooch Presumably signed Heins Fec 1741 Wife of Thomas Gooch, Bishop of Norwich and Master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. (Lady Gooch: Larger Image) University of Dundee Museum Services	1741
Sir Thomas Gooch, 2nd bt. (1674-1754) Bishop of Bristol, Norwich Ely. Date painted 1741? (Sir Thomas Gooch: Larger Image)	1741
Sir Thomas Gooch, 3rd bt. (1720-1781) 124.5cm x 100.5 cm. Not dated but probably 1741. From the Benacre Hall, Suffolk Sale. Sothebys 9 May 2000 Lot 144.
Anna Maria Kett nee Phillips Daughter of George Phillips of Stoke Ferry. She married Henry Kett. Signed Heins Fec 1741. 124.5cm x 99cm. Sotheby's 10 July 1991, Lot 27. (Anna Maria Kett nee Phillips: Larger Image)	1741
Henry Kett Eldest son of Richard Kett of St Peter, Mancroft, Norwich. Signed Heins Fec 1741. 124.5cm x 99cm. Sotheby's 10 July 1991, Lot 27. (Henry Kett: Larger Image)	1741
Richard Walker (1679-1764) Vice-Master and Horticulturist Date painted: 1751. Oil on canvas, 74 x 61 cm. Collection: Trinity College, University of Cambridge	1751
Thomas Emerson (d. 1785) Sheriff of Norwich. 'Heins, Fec' 1741. 238.7cm x 147.3cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Lydia Harvey of Norwich (1718-1804) Signed 'Heins.Fec:1742'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 105. (Lydia Harvey: Biography) (Lydia Harvey: Larger Image)	1742
Unknown Lady in a White Dress with a Pink Sash Signed 'Heins. Fec. 1742' (Lady: Larger Image)	1742
Brampton Gurdon-Dillingham 'Heins fec 1742'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 392.	Full length. Seated on a blue velvet cushion with gold braid and tassels, body and face both full, blue eyes, short fair hair, muslin cap close on the head. Dress: Scarlet, with white muslin over it, pointed bodice, full round the neck, sleeves turned back, and elbow sleeves, scarlet shoes and silver buckles; the left hand holding cherries and pear, right hand held over. M. Age 3. Signed 'Heins fec 1742'.
Mrs William Bulwer nee Wilson. 'Heins Fecit 1742'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 230. Signed 'Heins fecit 1742'.	TQL. Seated, body turned slightly towards the dexter, face in the opposite direction, grey eyes full, brown hair, parted and low, curls on each side. Dress: Bright blue tight waisted bodice cut low, clasped in front with diamonds, wide sleeves to the elbow, white undergarment with frill; left elbow, bent, rests on a gilt table with marble top standing on the sinister side of the picture, right hand resting on lap holds a large pink rose. On the table and above is a fawn-coloured curtain. L. Age 45.
Mrs John Blofeld 'D Heins fecit 1742'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 302.	Girl. Full length. Standing, body and face both full, grey eyes, light hair, flat on the head and curles behind. Dress: White satin, tight pointed bodice with a small opening, white frill round the top, full skirt, white satin shoes; the left elbow is on a gilt console table, with the hand towards the body, holding a pink rose, the right is extended towards the dexter side, to a brown and white Blenheim spaniel, looking upwards, with one paw on the girl's dress. Heavy blue curtain on the sinister side. L. Age 15. Date 1740. Signed 'D Heins fecit 1742'.
Robert Crow (Crowe) of Swaffham, Norfolk. (1710-1785) Signed on his left 'Heins, Fec: 1743'. (Robert Crow: Biography) (Robert Crow: Larger Image)	1743
Alice Crowe nee Alpe 1713?-1777 Assumed to have been painted by Heins in 1743. (Alice Alpe: Biography)	The portrait of Alice Crowe nee Alpe (wife of Robert Crow) is belived to have been sold via one of the London auction houses in the 1970s. Where is this portrait now? Please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Catherine Nelson nee Suckling (1725-1767) Painting assumed to be 1743 (Catherine Nelson: Larger Image)	1743
Allegory of Trade A large picture showing approximately 15 people on a quay with a statue above them. Heins 1743. Christie's auction. Yale Centre for British Art www.yale.edu/ycba (Allegory of Trade: Larger image)
John, Lord Hobart 1st Earl of Buckinghamshire (1694-1756) 'Heins fec:1743'. 241.3cm x 151.2cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford. (1676-1745) 'Heins. Fec. 1743'. 243.2cm x 153.7cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
William Wiggett (1693/4-1768) 'Heins, Fec' 1743. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk	.
William Wiggett Bulwer (1730-1793) 'Heins fecit 1743'. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 231.	TQL. Standing, body full, face turned towards the dexter, grey eyes also full, short white wig hiding the ears. Dress: Loose grey coat, buttoned-black sleeves, and buttons all down pink waistcoat, with broad silver lace edging, and similar flap pockets, and lace under pockets, small silver buttons, black knee-breeches and white stockings, fulled shirt, ruffle, neckband, and wristlets; the right hand is on some pigeons. L. Age 15.
Mrs Francis Longe Heins fec. 1744. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 2, page 311. Seated on a bank, grey eyes, straw hat in hand.
John Harvey (1699-1751) Heins Fec: 1744 (John Harvey: Biography) (John Harvey: Larger Image) Christies 18 Sept 2013 Lot4	1744
Unknown Man Painted 1744. Oil on canvas, 72 x 61 cm. Collection: Thetford Guildhall or Ancient House, Museum of Thetford Life	1744
Simeon Waller Mayor of Norwich in 1745. Assumed by Heins and assumed 1745. 236.2cm x 157.5cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
John Taylor (1694-1761) Unitarian minister at Norwich. Engraved by Jacob Houbraken 1754. From a painting by Heins 1746. (John Taylor: Larger image)	1746
Sir Benjamin Wrench MD (1665-1747) 'Heins, Fec.' 1746. 237.5cm x 153cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Simeon Waller Heins 1746. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Miss Judith Bedingfield Married Sir John Rouse of Henham Hall. Signed Heins fec: 1746. 76cm x 63.5cm. Phillips, 12 December 1989, Lot 38.
Elizabeth Gage nee Rookwood (1683?-1759) Daughter and sole heir of Thomas Rookwood Esq of Coldham Hall. Wife of John Gage Esq, 3rd son of Sir William Gage 2nd Bt. Signed 'Heins, Fec: 1748'. (Elizabeth Gage: Lager image)	1748
Lucy, Lady Gage (1722-1781) Daughter of William Knight. Husband of Sir Thomas Rookwood Gage BT. Signed 'Heins, Fec: 1748'. (Lucy, Lady Gage: Larger Image)	1748
Sir Thomas Rookwood Gage Bt (1719-1796) Of Hengrave. Half length wearing uniform and signed and dated 1748 and inscribed with the name of the sitter, a painted oval. 74.5cm x 61.5cm. Phillips 13 December 1994 Lot 33. (Sir Thomas Rookwood Gage: Larger Image)	1748
Thomas Harvey (1711-1772) Mayor of Norwich 1748. Signed 'Heins Fec'. (Thoms Harvey: Larger Image) (Thomas Harvey: Biography) Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk	1748
Unknown Lady (Bedingfeld?) Thought to be a member of the Bedingfeld family. Painted in 1748 by John Theodore Heins. Drawing room at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk. (National Trust) 76.2cm x 60.4cm. (Unknown Lady: Larger Image)	1748
William Rolfe Heins fec 1748. Norfolk Portraits Vol 2, page 282. Grey eyes, white wig, grey coat, right hand resting on a table.
Unknown Gentleman Signed 'Heins. Fec. 1749' (Unknown Gentleman: Larger Image)	1749
Matthew Brettingham (1699-1769) Architect of Holkham Hall. Signed Heins 1749. Located Royal Institute of British Architects.	1749
Mr and Mrs Carr Brackenbury Of Spilsby Lincolnshire. A pair each with painted oval signed Heins and dated 1749. 74cm x 61.5cm. Sotheby Bearne Torquay 24 April 1979 Lot 222
Two Women by Candlelight Signed lower right 'Heins. Fec. 1750'. (Candlelight: Larger Image)	1750
Reverend Thomas Roger Duquesne (1717-1793) The Revd. Thomas R. Du Quesne Vicar of Honingham & East Tuddenham. Heins 1750. 76cm x 63.2cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk (Rev Thomas Roger DuQuesne: Larger image)	1750
Reverend Peter Finch AM (1661?-1754) Clergyman of Norwich Engraved by Heins from a painting by Heins 1750. (Rev Peter Finch: Larger image)	1750
Mr Mortlake Signed Heins 1750
Unknown Lady Half length wearing a white dress with pink bows and a white lace cap. In a painted oval. Signed Heins Fect 1750. 74.5cm x 61.5cm. Sotheby's 16 May 1990 Lot 21.
Unknown Boy Heins 1750. Christie's.
Henry Hubbard BD (1758-1778) Painted 1750. President of Emmanuel College and Registrary 1758-78. Located Cambridge University. Also engraved as a mezzotint by C H Hodges.
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) Signed Heins Fec 1751 (George Frederic Handel: Larger image)	1751
Unknown Lady Wearing a flat hat standing to her left and looking towards the viewer. A dark band around her neck. Signed Heins 1751.
Richard Walker (1679-1764) Professor of moral philosophy and founder of Botanic Garden, CambridgeVice Master of Trinity College in 1751. Signed Heins 1751. A second different portrait, also by Heins, was engraved by Peter Spendelove Lamborn (1722-1774).
Mrs Heyward of Mariston Devon, half-length, in a satin dress and a black plumed hat, feigned oval signed and dated 'Heins, 1752'. Inscription 'Mrs Heywood of Mariston'. 76cm x 63cm. From Annesley Park. Christie's 16 July 1998, Lot 35.
Mr Gerard Hartopp Govenor of Plymouth. Signed Heins 1752. One of a pair from Annesley Park, 78cm x 64cm. (Gerard Hartopp: Larger Image)	1752
Susannah Beaumont (Mrs John Walter) (1727-1804) Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1752'	1752
Mr D'Anez Burnell Signed Heins 1752
Unknown Lady Heins fecit 1752. A lady. Vol 2, page 350.
Thomas Hurnard (l711/2-1753) Mayor of Norwich 1752. 'Heins Fec 1754'. 76.1cm x 64cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Mrs Gerard Hartopp Signed Heins 1752 One of a pair from Annesley Park, 78cm x 64cm.
Rev George Beaumont of Darton, Yorkshire and later of Nottingham (1725-1773) Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1753'	1753
Elizabeth (Betty) Beaumont of Nottingham (1732?-1792) Signed 'Heins. Fec: 1753'	1753
Unknown Lady Year 1753, Signed. (Unknown Lady: Larger Image)	1753
Miss Eyre Signed and dated Heins 1753, 74.3cm x 61.6cm Christies 3 August 1979 Lot 112
Unknown Lady Portrait of a lady, half-length, in a white dress and blue wrap, in a feigned oval. Together with her husband. Each signed and dated 'Heins, 1755'. Christie's 16 March 2008, Lot 114. (Unknown Lady: Larger Image)	1755
Unknown Gentleman Portrait of a gentleman, half-length in a red jacket and white waistcoat and cravat, in a feigned ovali. Together with her husband. Each signed and dated 'Heins, 1755'. Christie's 16 March 2008, Lot 114. (Unknown Gentleman: Larger Image)	1755
Radcliffe Pearl Todd Portrait of a gentleman, thought to be Radcliffe Pearl Todd. Half-length standing wearing a blue jacket, buttoned waistcoat and holding a triform hat. Signed Heins and dated 1755. Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood Limited Auctioneers, Exeter, Lot 395 January 2011. (Radcliffe Pearl Todd: Larger Image)	1755
Matthew Goss 'Heins, 1756'. 76.2cm x 63.5cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk (Matthew Goss: Larger Image)	1756
Nockold Tompson (died 1777) Mayor of Norwich. 'Heins. 1756'. 240.5cm x 149.9cm. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Mrs Rice Wiggett nee Bulwer Heins 1756. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 240. Signed 'Heins 1756'.	Half Length. Body almost full, face turned very slightly towards the sinister, with brown eyes in the opposite direction, brown hair dressed flat, a lace Hogarth cap around the face, tied with blue ribbon beneath the chin. Dress: Buff satin, narrow bodice, sleeves to the elbow, and lace-edged elbow sleeves, blue bow on each sleeve, and at the breast, a lace-edged fichu falls in front. M. Oval. Age 50. Signed 'Heins 1756'.
Mrs Dorothy Wiggett nee Bulwer Heins 1756. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 240. Phillips 10 July 2001 Lot 227. Inscribed on stretcher Dorothy daughter of Rice and Sarah Wiggert by Heins 1756. 76.2cm x 63.5cm. (Dorothy Wiggett nee Bulwer: Larger image)	1756
Undated Portraits
William Warren LLD (1682-1745) President of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Also Vicar of Ashford. Engraved by William Robins in 1731 from a painting by Heins.
John Kirkpatrick (1686-1728) Antiquarian and Mercer of Norwich. Treasurer of St Helen's Hospital. Married Ann the youngest daughter of J Harvey. Painting undated. 72cm x 62.2cm. Norfolk Portraits, Vol2, page 351. Brown eyes, white wig, knot on left shoulder. Norfolk Museums. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Robert Camell LLD (16??-1732) Rector of Bradwell in Suffolk (1717-1732). Mezzotint engraved by Heins after a painting by Heins. (Robert Camell: larger image)
The Revd. Henry Hubbard, B.D. 1707?-1778 Fellow of Emmanuel college, Cambridge, and registrar of the University. From a Mezzotint by Charles Howard Hodges after D Heins. Circa 1750?
William Broome (1689 - 1745) Translator and poet. Portrait engraved by E Findon. (William Broome: larger image)	Dexter side Sinister side
Beli Portrait of a young girl named Beli Signed J Heins (possibly John Theodore Heins?) Christie's 24 May 2011, Lot 281 (Beli: larger image)
Charles John Broome (1725?-1747) Inscribed on the back as by Haynes. But is by Heins, Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 276	TQL. Standing, body and face both turned towards the dexter, grey eyes full, white wig reaching to the shoulders. Dress: Pale blue coat, no collar to it, one button of it fastened at the waist, twelve silver barred buttonholes and silver round buttons, deep sleeves buttoned back with such, full shirt, neckband and ruffle, silver swordhilt; the right hand gloved holds another glove and points to the dexter, he wears a black three-cornered hat with silver lace edge. M. Age 10. circa 1740. On label: 'Son of Dr Browne by Haynes' It is certainly by Heins though unsigned.
Alderman Nuttall Mayor of Norwich 1721 & 1749 50cm x 40cm Signed D Heins.
John Kerrich Heins. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 170.	Half length. Body and face both turned towards the sinister, dark eyes full, long white wig to the shoulders. Dress: Black coat, red gown and bands of a MD. M. Age 30. circa 1730. Signed 'Heins'.
Charles Gostlin Heins fecit. Norfolk Portraits, Vol 1, page 24
Frances Lascelles	Known to have been at Harewood House
Mrs Cowper Mother of the Poet Engraved by W Blake, 1809, from a painting by D Heins.
Mrs James Beevor Listed as Heins but no date mentioned, 52.1cm x 43.9cm Christies 7 Sept 2000 Lot 22.
Unknown Gentleman Bisham Abbey (Buckinghamshire), National Sports Centre.
Mrs King Bisham Abbey (Buckinghamshire), National Sports Centre.
Sir James Burrough (1754-1764) Master of the College . Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University.

Three Unknown Children 150cm x 182cm. Signed Heins Fecit. Date not noted. Sotheby's 16 Nov 1988 Lot 35.
The Ascension of Christ Pevsner Date painted ? Located St Andrew's church, Trowse Newton, Norfolk.

Portraits by Heins can be found hanging in a number of Museums and Art Galleries including the following:
Gainsborough's House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, Suffolk. www.gainsborough.org
Norwich Castle Museum (very good website). www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Yale Centre for British Art www.yale.edu/ycba

Images can also be found on some of the auction websites:
Bonhams
Sothebys
Christie's

An extensive list of portraits, including many by Heins, can be referenced in the book 'Portraits in Norfolk Houses' by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, undated but published around 1927-1928.

If you can send me any more images, or any better quality images, of paintings by Heins, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

If you have any further information about John Theodore Heins or any of the sitters in his portraits, I would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Home)