Brought up in an artistic environment, Johns father, James, was a carver and gilder. The young Linnell's artistic talents became apparent at an early age and his father was able to capitalise on them setting his son to work producing copies of George Morland (whose works were much in demand), which he was able to sell. John studied under Sir Benjamin West and renowned landscape painter John Varley, and rose to become one of the outstanding landscape painters of the 19th century. Linnell commanded around 1000 guineas for his work, an extraordinary sum; his name and ability being compared to, and often regarded in his day as superior to the likes of Turner, Constable, William Blake and Samuel Palmer.

The Departure of the Emigrants was set in the Lake District, supposedly sketched during his honey moon, this work eventually painted in his later years. Works by Linnell can be found at the Tate Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. This picture represents a very rare opportunity, to acquire am important work by one of the greatest 19th century artists.