Francis Cotes
Encyclopedia
Francis Cotes was an English painter
, one of the pioneers of English pastel painting, and a founder member of the Royal Academy
in 1768.
, the eldest son of Robert Cotes, an apothecary
(Francis's younger brother Samuel Cotes
(1734–1818) also became an artist, specialising in miniatures). Cotes trained with portrait painter George Knapton
(1698–1778) before setting up his own business in his father's business premises in London's Cork Street
—learning, incidentally, much about chemistry
to inform his making of pastels.
An admirer of the pastel drawings of Rosalba Carriera
, Cotes concentrated on works in pastel and crayon (some of which became well-known as engraving
s). After pushing crayon to its limit as a medium—although he was never to abandon it entirely—Cotes turned to oil painting as a means of developing his style in larger-scale works. In his most successful paintings, particularly those of the early 1760s, the oil paint is thinly applied, in imitation of his pastel technique, and imbued with charm, inviting comparisons with Allan Ramsay
(1713–1784) and Sir Joshua Reynolds. They have clarity and warmth and possess a remarkable attention to costume. In 1763, he bought a large house (later occupied by George Romney
) in Cavendish Square.
One of the most fashionable portrait painters of his day, Cotes helped found the Society of Artists
and became its director in 1765. At the peak of his powers, Cotes was invited to become one of the first members of the Royal Academy
, but died just two years later, aged 44, in Richmond.
He also taught pastel skills to John Russell
, and his skills were described in book The Elements of Painting with Crayon.
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
, one of the pioneers of English pastel painting, and a founder member of the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
in 1768.
Life and work
He was born in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, the eldest son of Robert Cotes, an apothecary
Apothecary
Apothecary is a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients — a role now served by a pharmacist and some caregivers....
(Francis's younger brother Samuel Cotes
Samuel Cotes
Samuel Cotes was a younger brother of Francis Cotes, R.A.. He was a successful painter of miniature portraits and also worked in crayons. He died in Chelsea in 1818.-References:...
(1734–1818) also became an artist, specialising in miniatures). Cotes trained with portrait painter George Knapton
George Knapton
George Knapton was an English portrait painter and the first portraitist for the Society of Dilettanti in the 1740s. He became Surveyor and Keeper of the King's Pictures from 1765-1778.-Life and work:...
(1698–1778) before setting up his own business in his father's business premises in London's Cork Street
Cork Street
Cork Street is a street in Mayfair in the West End of London, England. It is very well known in the British art world for the commercial art galleries that dominate the street. It is located to the north of Burlington House, which houses the Royal Academy, a leading British art institution...
—learning, incidentally, much about chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
to inform his making of pastels.
An admirer of the pastel drawings of Rosalba Carriera
Rosalba Carriera
Rosalba Carriera was a Venetian Rococo painter. In her younger years, she specialized in portrait miniatures...
, Cotes concentrated on works in pastel and crayon (some of which became well-known as engraving
Engraving
Engraving is the practice of incising a design on to a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing...
s). After pushing crayon to its limit as a medium—although he was never to abandon it entirely—Cotes turned to oil painting as a means of developing his style in larger-scale works. In his most successful paintings, particularly those of the early 1760s, the oil paint is thinly applied, in imitation of his pastel technique, and imbued with charm, inviting comparisons with Allan Ramsay
Allan Ramsay
Allan Ramsay may refer to:*Allan Ramsay , also known as Allan Ramsay the Elder, Scottish poet*Allan Ramsay , also known as Allan Ramsay the Younger, Scottish portrait painter...
(1713–1784) and Sir Joshua Reynolds. They have clarity and warmth and possess a remarkable attention to costume. In 1763, he bought a large house (later occupied by George Romney
George Romney (painter)
George Romney was an English portrait painter. He was the most fashionable artist of his day, painting many leading society figures - including his artistic muse, Emma Hamilton, mistress of Lord Nelson....
) in Cavendish Square.
One of the most fashionable portrait painters of his day, Cotes helped found the Society of Artists
Society of Artists
The Society of Artists of Great Britain was founded in London in May 1761 by an association of artists in order to provide a venue for the public exhibition of recent work by living artists, such as was having success in the long-established Paris salons....
and became its director in 1765. At the peak of his powers, Cotes was invited to become one of the first members of the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
, but died just two years later, aged 44, in Richmond.
He also taught pastel skills to John Russell
John Russell (painter)
John Russell was an English painter renowned for his portrait work in oils and pastels, and as a writer and teacher of painting techniques.-Life and work:...
, and his skills were described in book The Elements of Painting with Crayon.
External links
- Francis Cotes online (Artcyclopedia)