13 Facts About Richard Cosway

Richard Cosway was a leading English portrait painter of the Georgian and Regency era, noted for his miniatures.

Richard Cosway was a contemporary of John Smart, George Engleheart, William Wood, and Richard Crosse.

Richard Cosway befriended fellow Freemason and Swedenborgians William Blake and Chevalier d'Eon.

Richard Cosway's 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.

Richard Cosway was initially educated at Blundell's School, where his father was master, but at the age of twelve he was allowed to travel to London to take lessons in painting.

Richard Cosway studied briefly with fellow Devonian Thomas Hudson, then with William Shipley, and by 1760 had established his own business.

Richard Cosway exhibited his first works at the age of 20 in 1762 and was in demand.

Richard Cosway is included in Johan Zoffany's group portrait of the members of the academy ; a late addition to the composition, he was painted on an extra strip of canvas, attached to the right-hand side of the painting.

Richard Cosway's 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, Richard Cosway suffered from mental disorders and spent some time in various institutions.

Richard Cosway died in London in 1821 and was buried at St Marylebone Parish Church.

Richard Cosway had been created a baroness of the Empire on account of her devotion to female education by the emperor Francis I in 1834.