Edward Penny RA (1 August 1714 – 16 November 1791) was an English portrait and historical painter, one of the founder members of the Royal Academy.

He one of the twin elder sons of Robert Penny, surgeon, by Clare, daughter of William Trafford, of Swythamley, Staffordshire, and was born at Knutsford, Cheshire in 1714.

Penny appears to have joined the Incorporated Society of Artists in 1762; but with Benjamin West, Richard Wilson, and others, then withdrew because of internal frictions.

In 1772 he exhibited Lord Clive explaining to the Nabob the Situation of the Invalids in India, and Rosamond and Queen Eleanor; in 1774, The Profligate punished by Neglect and Contempt and The Virtuous comforted by Sympathy and Attention, a pair engraved by Valentine Green; in 1776, Jane Shore led to do Penance at St. Paul's; in 1779, The Return from the Chase; in 1780, Apparent Dissolution (sold according to information in the Witt Library, London, wrongly catalogued as by Walton, 'A Mishap' by Christies, New York, USA) and Returning Animation (English private collection) a pair engraved by William Sedgwick; in 1781, Lavinia discovered gleaning; and in 1782, The Benevolent Physician, The Rapacious Quack, and Widow Costard's Cow and Goods, distrained for rent, are redeemed by the generosity of Johnny Pearmain.

Penny married, after 1753 and before 1768, Elizabeth, daughter of John Simmons of Millbank, Westminster and widow of Richard Fortnam, who possessed valuable leasehold property on the Grosvenor estate in London.