SEARCH BIOGRAPHY.COM
(born Nov. 10, 1697, London, Eng.—died Oct. 26, 1764, London) British painter and engraver. Apprenticed at 15 to a silversmith, he opened his own engraving and printing shop at 22. He took private drawing lessons while earning a living as an engraver of book illustrations. His first major work, the satirical engraving Masquerades and Operas, attacked contemporary taste and questioned the art establishment, thus winning him many enemies. In 1728 he embarked on a painting career with a work that reveals his interest in theatre and comic subject matter, A Scene from “The Beggar's Opera”; he also painted “conversation pieces” (informal group portraits) for wealthy clients. His engravings of modern morality subjects, often in sequential sets, were aimed at a wide public, and their outstanding success established his financial independence. To safeguard his livelihood against pirated editions, he fought for legislation protecting artists' copyright. Britain's first copyright act was passed in 1735, the year he published his satirical eight-part series The Rake's Progress. His other satirical series include A Harlot's Progress (1730–31) and Marriage à la Mode (1743–45). The teaching academy he established led to the founding of the Royal Academy (1768).
advertisement
Get exclusives and hard to find titles only at the Biography Shop. Buy Now
Get email updates on your favorite BIO shows and what's new on bio.com!
– Bio.com news
– BIO shows
– Born On This Day
…and more! SIGN UP today!
Learn more about pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart and the conspiracy theories surrounding her disappearance. Watch videos, view timeline, study guide, and more.
JFK was the 35th president of the U.S. serving from 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. Watch video, view photo gallery, and more.
What were the 2012 predictions of Nostradamus? How well do you know President Barack Obama? Check out our VIDEO GUIDE to see all video!
© 1996-2009 A&E Television Networks. All Rights Reserved