Richard Cosway

English, 1742-1821

BiographyRichard Cosway RA ,1742 – 1821, was a leading English portrait painter of the Regency era, noted for his miniatures. His wife was the Italian-born painter Maria Cosway, a close friend of Thomas Jefferson.

Richard Cosway was born in Tiverton, Devon, the son of a schoolmaster. He was initially educated at Blundell's School but at the age of twelve he traveled to London to take lessons in painting. He won a prize from the Society of Artists in 1754 and by 1760 had established his own business. He exhibited his first works at the age of 20 in 1762 and was soon in demand. He was one of the first group of associate members of the Royal Academy, elected in August 1770, and was elected a full member the following March, on the casting vote of the academy's president, Sir Joshua Reynolds. He painted the future King George IV in 1780 and was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1785—the only time this title was ever awarded. His subjects included the Prince's first wife, Maria Anne Fitzherbert, and various English and French aristocrats, including Madame du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV of France.

In later life, Cosway also suffered from mental disorders and spent some time in various institutions. He died in London in 1821.

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